Washington: The commander nominated to take command of Resolute Support Mission on Monday stressed the importance of Pakistan’s cooperation to the success of Trump administration’s south Asia strategy, saying without Islamabad’s support, it would be difficult to achieve long-term stability in Afghanistan.

Speaking before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Army Major-General Austin S. Miller also said the mission in Afghanistan was necessary to prevent terrorist attacks on the United States, but warned that the battle there could not be won through the military alone.

Asked about his assessment of Pakistan’s role in the security situation in Afghanistan, Gen Miller said that Pakistan’s cooperation is vital to the success of America’s south Asia strategy.

“Pakistan has made many sacrifices in the war against terrorism; its people have suffered greatly and its security forces have fought bravely,” he said, before adding that Pakistan needs to do more in its counter-terrorism efforts.

Replying to a question, he said since the August 2017 announcement of the south Asia strategy, there had been incremental positive changes in Pakistan’s behaviour towards Afghanistan, particularly in the effort to improve its bilateral relationship with that country.

Gen Miller said the US was still on the look out for “conclusive evidence” that Pakistan shares Washington’s vision of a secure and stable Afghanistan and added that Islamabad’s participation in a peace process would be an indication of progress.

He added that the US expects Pakistan to contribute to an end to the conflict in Afghanistan by exerting whatever influence it has on the Taliban to shun violence and participate in the peace process.

“Improved cooperation in the trade of goods and services and the movement of people will contribute greatly to our goal of stabilising Afghanistan,” he added

Gen Miller said that peace in Afghanistan would boost Pakistan’s own stability and prosperity.

“We seek to partner with Pakistan,” he said, adding that Pakistan has much to gain from supporting the efforts of the 39-member coalition working to bring peace and stability to Afghanistan.

On the mission in Afghanistan, he said that it was necessary to prevent terrorist attacks on the United States.

“I’ve learnt there are groups that want nothing more than to harm Americans,” Miller said as he testified before the committee as part of his confirmation process to replace Army Gen John Nicholson as commander of the Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan.

“I’ve learnt these groups thrive in ungoverned spaces. And I’ve also learnt when we maintain pressure on them abroad, they struggle to organise and build the means to attack us,” he added.

Gen Miller said that the core goal of the United States in Afghanistan was to ensure terrorists can never again use the country as a safe haven to threaten the United States or other members of the international community, according to the Pentagon’s official website.

He also emphasised that the battle in Afghanistan could not be won through military victories and must be backed up by diplomacy with neighbouring countries, political agreements inside Afghanistan and economic development.

If confirmed, Gen Miller would oversee Nato’s ‘train, advise and assist’ mission for Afghan forces and handle counterterrorism efforts in the nation.

There are about 16,000 American service members based in Afghanistan as part of President Donald J. Trump’s south Asia strategy, and Miller said that the military portion was necessary to provide the space and security for other aspects of the strategy.

“I’ve had the honour of spending more than 20 years of my career in special operations,” he said, adding that he knew the value of reliable partners.

“I’ve learnt problems are best addressed by seeking insights and advice from a wide pool of talent — not just those in uniform, but those throughout our government and our international partners.”