PrunefaceAziz
...Adviser to Pak Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on National Security and Foreign Affairs, who believes in goodjihadis and
badjihadis as a matter of national policy...
stated on Tuesday that criticism by certain US Congress members against Pakistain is not reflective of the actual US policy.
"Recently an amendment to cut assistance for Pakistain was defeated in Congress. It shows that a wide section of the Congress does not share the sentiments of a select few members," Aziz said while speaking in the Senate.
The advisor briefed the house over the remarks made by the US congressional panel which demanded cutting off all US assistance to Pakistain, in order to persuade Islamabad to act against the Afghan Taliban groups allegedly using its territory to launch operations into Afghanistan.
"The US State Department, just a day after Congress’ hearing, publically recognised Pakistain’s meaningful progress in eliminating safe havens of forces of Evil and also recognised the fact the country has paid huge cost fighting terrorism."
He also informed the upper house that the Foreign Relations Committee of US congress closely observes developments in Pak-US relations as Pakistain is major recipient of US assistance.
"Interest of the Congress is understandable regarding how Pakistain spends its assistance which should be helping the US in achieving its objectives," Aziz said.
"Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif
... served two non-consecutive terms as prime minister, heads the Pakistain Moslem League (Nawaz). Noted for his spectacular corruption, the 1998 Pak nuclear test, border war with India, and for being tossed by General Musharraf...
and our military leadership have met the Congressional committee leaders during their visits," Aziz informed the senate.
Pakistain is vigilant and is closely engaging with the US at various levels to ensure its national interest and priorities are duly considered by the US decision makerd, he maintained.
"For making effective linkages with the next administration and to neutralise the negative moves of anti-Pakistain lobbies, we are also in the process of hiring a professional lobbying firm in Washington," he added.