Pak not using proxies: Bajwa

Pakistan is not using militant groups as proxies, its army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa said on Tuesday, asserting the country is itself a victim of “state- sponsored” terrorism.

His remarks came a day after US National Security Adviser H R McMaster asked Pakistan’s top civilian and military leadership to confront terrorism in all its forms during a meeting with them.“Pakistan itself is a victim of state-sponsored terrorism. It strongly rejects allegations of employing proxies from its soil,” Bajwa was quoted as saying in a military statement.

The army said McMaster, who made the first visit by a top Trump administration official to this country, was briefed about Pakistan’s war on terror and its contributions to regional and global stability.

“It was highlighted that distinguished feature of Pakistan’s counter-terrorism effort is focused against terrorists of all hues and colours,” the statement said.“The US NSA acknowledged Pakistan army’s efforts in eliminating terrorists and their infrastructure, assuring US support to bring peace and stability in the region and globe.”

McMaster held talks with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, Gen Bajwa, Pakistan NSA Lt Gen (retd) Nasser Janjua and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi. PTI