Afghanistan-Pakistan border CIA Map. Pakistan provides key supply lines for US logistics into landlocked Afghanistan
The United States and Pakistan are apparently sticking to their positions as the stalemate persists in the bilateral relationship, considered critical to peace and security efforts for Afghanistan.
On Friday, Pakistan said it wants recognition of its immense role in the fight against terror and dos not seek resumption of U.S. aid.
While a news report cited a U.S. official expressing the hope that Pakistan would take stronger action against terror and hand over wanted terrorists to the United States.
Pakistani army’s media wing reported Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa received a call from the U.S. Commander of US Central Command General Joseph L. Votel during which they discussed bilateral relations.
A news release says Gen Bajwa complained that the Pakistani nation felt betrayed over recent U.S. statements against the country despite decades of bilateral cooperation.
The Inter-Services Public Relations says Bajwa also received a call from a U.S. Senator to discuss cooperation in the wake of President Trump tweet in which he accused the country being deceitful in dealings with the United States despite getting billions of dollars in American aid.
The ISPR statement quoted Bajwa as saying that Pakistan would not seek resumption of aid but expects “honorable recognition of its contributions, sacrifices and unwavering resolve” to fight terrorism for peace and stability in the region.
The army chief said, “Pakistan shall continue its sincere counter terrorism efforts even without US financial support in accordance with our national interest and shall remain committed to bring it to its logical conclusion along with other stake holders.”
Meanwhile, the United States hopes that Pakistan would do the “right thing and turn over” the terrorists.
“I have a feeling, I am hopeful that Pakistan will do the right thing and turn over the terrorists and honor their commitment,” Steven Goldstein, the Under-
Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, told reporters at a news conference, according to a report in Pakistan Today newspaper, and an Indian newspaper The Economic Times.
He said the U.S. assistance for the country has only been suspended, and the money has not been reallocated.
But Pakistan’s prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Friday denied existence of any terrorist sanctuaries on Pakistani soil. He said Pakistani campaigns have curbed terrorists’ ability to operate.
Separately, Pentagon chief spokesperson Dana White has said the U.S. believes that Pakistan has the ability to address the terrorist threat.
“This is an opportunity for them to take decisive action, and we look forward to working with them to encourage them to do so,” the spokesperson said.
