US Lawmaker Calls for Pakistan to Combat Terrorism
A senior American congressman has urged a visiting Pakistani delegation to take decisive action against the terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammed. The call came during a meeting with Pakistani officials led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in Washington, DC.
Emphasis on Eliminating Jaish-e-Mohammed
The lawmaker underscored the importance of dismantling Jaish-e-Mohammed, describing the group as "vile" due to its role in past terrorist attacks. He referenced the 2002 kidnapping and murder of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl, an incident orchestrated by Omar Saeed Sheikh, a member of Jaish-e-Mohammed. The congressman highlighted that Pearl's family continues to reside in his district and stressed the responsibility of Pakistan to eradicate the threat posed by this group.
Protection of Religious Minorities
In addition to counterterrorism, the lawmaker emphasized the need for Pakistan to safeguard its religious minorities such as Christians, Hindus, and Ahmadiyya Muslims. He urged that these communities must be allowed to freely practice their faith and engage in the democratic process without fear of violence or discrimination.
Calls for the Release of Dr. Shakil Afridi
The lawmaker also pressed the Pakistani delegation to advocate for the release of Dr. Shakil Afridi, who remains imprisoned in Pakistan. Dr. Afridi was convicted after assisting the United States in gathering critical DNA samples through a vaccination campaign which ultimately led to locating Osama bin Laden. The congressman stated that freeing Dr. Afridi would be a meaningful step toward delivering justice for victims of the September 11 attacks.
Diplomatic Context and Regional Implications
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s visit to the US coincided with an Indian parliamentary delegation briefing American officials on terrorism concerns related to Pakistan. Bhutto’s meetings included engagements with the UN Secretary-General and members of the UN Security Council. Although Pakistan sought to raise Kashmir-related issues, the primary focus from US interlocutors remained on Pakistan’s role in combating terrorism within its borders.
Key points:
- US lawmaker stressed Pakistan must eliminate Jaish-e-Mohammed.
- Protection of religious minorities in Pakistan is crucial.
- Support for the release of Dr. Shakil Afridi requested.
- Diplomatic efforts by Pakistan focused on terrorism and Kashmir issues.
This meeting reflects ongoing international pressure on Pakistan to address terrorism and human rights concerns, which remain central to bilateral and multilateral diplomatic dialogues.
