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Pakistan army chief sets agenda

Pakistan's army chief is on a landmark visit to Washington where he is expected to hold talks on how to tackle the menace of militancy. This is General Raheel Sharif's second visit to the United States. He is widely recognised as a talking general who has a plan of action and the will to go after non-state actors. On his earlier visit to Britain, he was clear on the loopholes that need to be plugged if abettors of terror are to be nailed.
The Americans would be eager to hear from Sharif on how he successfully led the counter-terrorism operation in one of the remotest and restive areas of the world bordering Afghanistan. Most safe havens of Al Qaeda, Taleban and the like have been destroyed, and remnants of militant groups are on the run.
But Sharif's meetings in US corridors of power are likely to have a political angle as well, as he is rated as a popular and unbiased leader, who has led from the front against terrorism. He is keen on reform and that is one reason why Pakistani politicians at home will be on tenterhooks.
His agenda encompasses the nuclear programme, brokering peace in Afghanistan and tensions with India. The Pakistan army has a final say in defence and foreign affairs, and of late has clearly grabbed a great deal of space for itself domestically. The Americans are open to business with the general and will not mind striking a deal of convenience, if it helps them alter the security profile of the region in their interests.