Pak must stop use of its soil for attacks on neighbours for regional peace: Curtis

Washington, July 13 (ANI): Pakistan must ensure that its soil is not utilized by militants to wreak havoc inside other countries in the region, former US State Department Advisor on South Asia, Lisa Curtis has said.

Addressing a Congressional panel here, Curtis said establishment of peace and stability in South Asia depends on Pakistan's ability and its willingness to counter extremism breeding inside its geographical territory.

"The future direction of the region, including the outcome of the war in Afghanistan, pivots on Pakistan's ability to overcome multiple socio-economic challenges as well as its willingness to fight terrorism in all its forms within its own borders," said Curtis, a senior research fellow at Washington based Heritage Foundation.

She supported the US' stand on Indo-Pak rapprochement and progress towards settlement of the Kashmir dispute between both the nuclear power nations, but cautioned the Obama administration to progress very carefully over the issue.

Curtis also highlighted that the success in the 'war on terror' in the region largely depends on a long and trusting co-operation between the United States and Pakistan.

"Containing the global terrorist threat in South Asia will depend largely on the ability of the US to forge a trusting and cooperative partnership with Pakistan over the next several years," she said. (ANI)