WASHINGTON: The United States has supported Pakistan government’s initiative to start dialogue with Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan‚ noting the move has strong domestic consensus.
Talking to Pakistani media representative in Washington at the conclusion of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s visit‚ a senior State Department official said President Barack Obama appreciated Nawaz Sharif’s resolve to address challenges facing Pakistan, including eliminating terrorism and militancy on the Afghan border as well as his commitment to seek peace with neighbours India and Afghanistan.
The official said the Pakistani side noted that violence along the Line of Control (LoC) in disputed Kashmir region is a major obstacle to progress in relationship with India.
The State Department and Obama Administration officials said Pakistan also raised the issue of Afghan soil being used against it particularly by India.
