Khar says no need for cajoling on militancy

Today

Hillary Clinton and Hina Rabbani Khar pose for photo prior to their meeting at the ASEAN Regional Forum in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia.—AP

NUSA DUA, Indonesia: Pakistan’s new foreign minister, who held talks on Saturday with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, said the two countries shared the strategic objective of combating terror groups and Islamabad did not need any cajoling on the issue.

Hina Rabbani Khar also told reporters on the sidelines of an Asian security conference that she expected positive results from a meeting with her Indian counterpart next week, in what could be a major turning point in ties between the two countries since they resumed peace talks earlier this year.

Asked if Clinton prodded her on tackling militants operating from within Pakistan, Khar said: “We have the same strategic objective.

“Pakistan is the first one to suffer because of terrorism, because of militancy. Pakistan is doing it for itself. You don’t need cajoling on that, that is in our national interest.”

On her talks with Indian Foreign Minister S. M. Krishna scheduled for next Wednesday in New Delhi, Khar said: “My expectation is to have positive development in our relationship with India.”

It has been a baptism by fire for Khar, who was appointed to the post just this week, after five months as junior foreign minister.

Besides Clinton, she also met Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi on the sidelines of the security forum in Indonesia.

The meeting with Krishna will put her at the forefront of a complex, mutually antagonistic and volatile relationship between two nuclear-armed powers.

Khar also said she was comfortable about being in a senior post at a young age in conservative Pakistan.

“Our culture reveres anyone who has the ability to work for the country and young or old does not make such a difference as much as what your approach is, what your goals are and as much as how you approach a problem,” she said.

Sphere: Related Content