Pakistanis Optimistic on Ties After Afghan Leader’s Visit - nytimes

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Afghanistan’s new president, Ashraf Ghani, met with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif here on Saturday, ending a state visit that left Pakistanis optimistic about a new start for the countries’ often acrimonious relationship.

“This was a serious charm fest on both sides and pretty much set the tone, as a start, for a much-needed reset in bilateral ties,” said Sherry Rehman, Pakistan’s former ambassador to the United States, who, along with several Pakistani politicians, met with Mr. Ghani on Saturday morning.

“He is making friends in all the right places,” she said. “He seems quite clear that he’d like a fresh start. It is a key moment in the bilateral relationship.”

Mr. Ghani met with Mr. Sharif at the prime minister’s official residence. At a news conference later, they spoke with warmth and conviviality, in a marked departure from the mutual suspicion under Mr. Ghani’s predecessor, Hamid Karzai.

“We will not permit the past to destroy the future,” Mr. Ghani said. Mr. Sharif praised Mr. Ghani’s “resolve and determination” and said he had “no doubt” that he would succeed in office.

“Our two countries face formidable challenges, including extremism and terrorism, a precarious security environment and transnational crimes,” Mr. Sharif said. “I am convinced that we can effectively meet them through common resolve.”

Afghan officials have long accused Pakistan of supporting the Talibaninsurgency in Afghanistan, including by giving its leaders havens in Pakistan’s semiautonomous tribal regions. Pakistan has accused Afghanistan of sheltering militants who orchestrate attacks on Pakistani soil.  Read More