Pakistani Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif reacted strongly to the criticism by US President Donald Trump and said that Mr. Trump has disrespected and disregarded Pakistan's contribution on war against terrorism.
In an interview with a TV channel, Mr. Asif said Pakistan's detailed response will come on Thursday when the civil and military leadership will deliberate on the US policy review in National Security Committee of the Cabinet.
A late night statement issued by the Foreign Office on President Trump's policy review said that Pakistan has taken note of the President’s statement outlining elements of a new US policy on Afghanistan and South Asia.
"No country in the world has done more than Pakistan to counter the menace of terrorism. No country in the world has suffered more than Pakistan from the scourge of terrorism, often perpetrated from outside our borders. It is, therefore disappointing that the US policy statement ignores the enormous sacrifices rendered by the Pakistani nation in this effort," the statement said.
Pakistani Cabinet resolved that the country will continue to be part of the global counter terrorism efforts. "Pakistan and the United States have been close allies in the fight against terrorism, which is a common threat for all nations of the world. As a matter of policy, Pakistan does not allow use of its territory against any country. Instead of relying on the false narrative of safe havens, the US needs to work with Pakistan to eradicate terrorism," the statement said.
The Cabinet also referred to the ongoing Kashmir issue as the primary obstacle to peace and stability in the region. “The threat to peace and security cannot be isolated from the complex interplay of geopolitics, continued existence of festering disputes and pursuit of hegemonic policies. Non-resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains the primary obstacle to peace and stability in the region. Pakistan reiterates its view that there is no exclusive military solution to the crisis in Afghanistan,” it said.
"The military action during the last 17 years has not brought peace to Afghanistan, and it is not likely to do so in the future. Only an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned politically negotiated solution can lead to sustainable peace in Afghanistan. Pakistan is committed to working with the international community towards the common objective of defeating the forces of terrorism and to promote peace and stability in the South Asian region," the statement concluded.
Angered by the US policy review on South Asia, Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Bajwa also told US ambassador on Wednesday that Pakistan does not want any financial assistance from US but trust and acknowledgement of the country's sacrifices in war against terrorism.
"We are not looking or any material or financial assistance from US but trust, understanding acknowledgement of our contributions. Collaboration and synergy of effort between all stakeholders is the key to success to bring this long drawn war in Afghanistan to its logical end," Gen Bajwa told US ambassador David Hale in a meeting between the two in military headquarters in Rawalpindi on Wednesday. Army chief Gen Bajwa said that peace in Afghanistan is as important for Pakistan as for any other country.
