US, Pakistani pin flags Photo: http://www.crossed-flag-pins.com
Pakistan has said it wants trusting relationship with the United States and is not looking for any financial or material aid.
The comments came in the wake of President Donald Trump’s announcement of new policy on Afghan war and South Asia, in which he criticized Pakistan for giving sanctuary to Afghan militants.
Several statements issued by U.S. officials after the unveiling of the new strategy also sought to blame Pakistan for Afghan and international failures inside Afghanistan.
The U.S. officials’ greenlighting for an Indian role in Afghanistan has frustrated Islamabad as it believes that India is seeking to encircle Pakistan from its Western Afghan border. Pakistan and India have been locked in a standoff on eastern border over disputed Kashmir region.
On Wednesday, U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan David Hale met with Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Bajwa and briefed him on Trump’s retooled Afghan policy.
Hale said Washington sought Pakistan’s cooperation in its 16-year war in Afghanistan. The US, he said, values Pakistan’s role in the war against terror.
General Bajwa, while underlining Afghanistan’s importance for Pakistan, reiterated the country’s efforts for peace and stability in the war-torn region.
“(We) shall keep on doing our best, not to appease anyone, but in line with our national interest and national policy,” he said.
The army chief added that Pakistan wanted the United States to acknowledge the country’s contributions towards the peace initiative.
“We are not looking for any material or financial assistance from the U.S. but trust, understanding and acknowledgment for our contributions.”
