The Pakistani Foreign Office has issued a strong worded statement in response to Trump’s security policy, accusing it of trivialising Pakistan’s counter terror efforts.
Pakistan, in reaction to Trump’s strategy says, “Afghan soil, despite substantial US presence, is being constantly used by elements hostile to Pakistan’s stability. Pakistan’s proposals for border management to prevent militants’ cross-border-movement are yet to make any headway”.
Pakistan also rejected as “unsubstantiated allegations” the US National Security Strategy 2017 released on Dec. 18. The Foreign Ministry says unfounded accusations that contradict facts on ground and trivialise Pakistan’s efforts for fighting terrorism were made against Pakistan.
In further reaction to Trump’s security strategy, Pakistani Foreign Ministry said in veiled reference to India, “In a troubled neighbourhood, Pakistan continues to suffer at the hands of state sponsored terrorism, funded and abetted by our neighbours through proxies”.
The strategy reminds Islamabad that no partnership can survive a country’s support for militants and terrorists. Pakistan’s military and civilian leadership have repeatedly said that there are not terror sanctuaries in Pakistan and its counter terror campaign is going in full force.
Pakistan Army spokesperson Major General Asif Ghafoor, in a recent TV interview on Tuesday, reiterated that all Pakistan asks for is recognition sacrifices in the war on terror, with the country suffering massive human and material losses. He further said Pakistan needs recognition of its sacrifices, more than the money.
Previously, while unveiling his new security strategy, the US President Donald Trump claimed that Pakistan was obliged to help the US, mainly because Islamabad was receiving massive payments from the US government every year.
“We have made clear to Pakistan that while we desire continued partnership, we must see decisive action against terrorist groups operating on their territory. And we make massive payments every year to Pakistan. They have to help,” said the president while addressing his nation from the Ronald Reagan building in Washington.
Interestingly, Trump made this sole reference to Pakistan in his speech although the detailed policy document has urged Pakistan to continue demonstrating a responsible stewardship of its nuclear arsenal.
© Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) and Afghan Studies Center (ASC), Islamabad.
