U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry (L) poses with Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif during their meeting ahead of the United Nations General Assembly in New York September 27, 2015
The banned Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist group had carried out the audacious 2008 Mumbai attack that killed 166 people
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has asked Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to take action against terrorist groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and the dreaded Afghan-based Haqqani network.
Mr. Kerry commended Mr. Sharif’s pledge to not distinguish between terrorist groups and “urged additional action against the Haqqani Network and Lashkar-e-Taiba,” State Department spokesman John Kirby said following the two leaders’ meeting here on sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly session.
Dreaded Pakistani/Afghan Terrorist Jalaluddin Haqqani
“He acknowledged the crucial role Pakistan has played in Afghan reconciliation talks and noted the importance of dialogue with India for fostering regional stability and economic integration,” Mr. Kirby said.
The two leaders discussed topics of mutual interest including counterterrorism, Afghan reconciliation, regional stability and economic cooperation, he said.
“They confirmed our long-term strategic bilateral cooperation based on joint interests and mutual respect. The Secretary underscored that the U.S. shares an interest in a stable, democratic and prosperous Pakistan and welcomed the Prime Minister’s commitment to complete Pakistan’s IMF program reforms,” Mr. Kirby added.
The Haqqani network, founded by Jalaluddin Haqqani, has been blamed for the Indian embassy bombing in Kabul in 2008 that left 58 people dead, a 2011 attack on the U.S. embassy in Kabul, and several big truck bombing attempts in Afghanistan.
It was designated as a terrorist organisation by the U.S. in September 2012.