The United States again accused Pakistan of playing a double game on fighting terrorism and warned Islamabad it would have to do more if it wanted to maintain US aid.
According to report, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said that it would likely announce actions to pressure Pakistan within days, shortly after US Ambassador Nikki Haley said at the United Nations that Washington would withhold $255 million in assistance to Pakistan.
The comments followed an angry tweet from President Donald Trump. Pakistan civilian and military chiefs rejected incomprehensible US comments and summoned American Ambassador David Hale to explain Trump’s tweet.
Pakistani UN Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi said in a statement that her country’s fight against terrorism was not based on any consideration of aid but on national interests and principles.
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi chaired a National Security Committee meeting of civilian and military chiefs, focusing on Trump’s tweet. Pakistan has received assurances of support from two regional powers after a humiliating tweet by US President Donald Trump. Report said that Pakistan had received telephonic assurances from Russia that Pakistan should not consider itself isolated. Pakistan responded by saying Trump’s “no more” mantra was worthless as Islamabad was not prepared to “do more”. China has also asked the world to acknowledge Pakistan’s outstanding contribution to counter terrorism. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said: “Pakistan has made enormous efforts and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and has made very outstanding contribution to the global cause of counter terrorism. The international community should acknowledge that.” China was glad to see Pakistan engaging in international cooperation, including counter terrorism, on the basis of mutual respect so as to contribute to regional peace and stability, Shuang said.
The support extended by China and Russia after the Trump’s threatening tweet for Pakistan is very important and welcoming. China has once again proved that it is time trusted friend of Pakistan and will always support Pakistan in difficult times. Pakistan deserves support from international community for its immense contributions in war against terrorism. Foreign Office needs to highlight Pakistan’s contributions in war against terrorism at the international level and should take steps to gain more support from international community. The threatening US attitude against Pakistan is not fair and scapegoating Pakistan for US failure in Afghanistan will not help stabilise the war-ravaged country. The US must review its policy and end its hostile behavior against Pakistan and take tangible steps to resolve Afghan problem.
