WASHINGTON: Terrorist safe havens inside Pakistan, providing shelter to terrorist outfits like the Taliban and the Haqqani network, is a serious problem, a top US general nominated to be the commander of NATO forces in Afghanistan said on Thursday.

“I view it (terrorist safe havens inside Pakistan) as a serious problem,” General John “Mick” Nicholson told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee during his confirmation hearing.

If confirmed by the Senate, he would replace General John Campbell as commander of the US and NATO forces in Afghanistan at a time when serious concerns have been raised about the security situation in Afghanistan, where Taliban militants have caused large numbers of casualties and Islamic State affiliates have made some inroads.

“One of the biggest problems has been the sanctuary, particularly for the Haqqani Network, particularly the involvement of the ISI in Pakistan, which in many cases have been supporting the Haqqani Network. Have you seen any progress in this whole problem?” Senator John McCain, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, asked General Nicholson.

In response, Gen Nicholson said continued presence of the terrorist safe haven has been a major problem.

“This has been one of the principal challenges. It’s a sanctuary that our enemies, in particular the Haqqani Network, have enjoyed inside Pakistan,” he said.

“I note that the Pakistanis have also suffered significant casualties in the tens of thousands in terms of their security forces and their civilians,” he noted.

However, the US is not satisfied that there’s adequate pressure put on the Haqqanis, he told the Senators.

The recent operations in northern Waziristan have helped, as well as stationing of additional soldiers in tribal areas.

“Some of this has pushed some fighters into Afghanistan, which has contributed to some of the issues there,” he said.

(PTI)