Pakistan plays important role in Afghan peace process: US Defence Secretary

The acting US Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan said that Pakistan had an important role to play in the ongoing Afghan peace process. He made this statement, during a Congressional hearing on Wednesday, to oppose any move to withdraw troops from the war-torn country, to which another top American general agreed.

The whole conversation ensued while hearing the country's defence budget for the fiscal year 2020 beginning October 1. Senator Lindsay Graham asked a question on the ongoing Afghan peace process.

"It's in our national security interest to have a counterterrorism platform. Do you agree that we'll never get a peaceful resolution until Pakistan denies the Taliban's safe haven?" Graham asked.

"I believe Pakistan plays an important role," Shanahan said in response. 

"I do (agree), senator," said the Chairman of US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Joseph Dunford.  

During this Congressional hearing, Shanahan agreed that a counterterrorism platform is still required in the war-torn country as ISIS is getting even more stronger than before. He also hailed President Trump's current South Asia strategy which offers the best chance for peace in Afghanistan.

"Our current policy remains the South Asia strategy. Our best chance for peace and this is probably the best in 40 years, is taking place right now. I would say our policy is to fight and talk. We're fighting the Taliban to pressure them into a reduction in violence," he said.

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