By Muhammad Luqman
Pakistan has strongly rebutted accusations of providing a safe haven to terrorists, saying that “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.
In a statement issued late Tuesday night, the foreign office reiterated that “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”.
The statement expressed disappointment at the US policy statement ignoring “the enormous sacrifices rendered by the Pakistani nation in this effort”.
The FO reaffirmed that Pakistan has been and will continue to be part of the global counter terrorism efforts and that the US and Pakistan are close allies in the fight against terrorism, which is a common threat for all nations of the world.
“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,” it added.
The statement concluded that “Pakistan reiterates its view that there is no exclusive military solution to the crisis in Afghanistan. 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.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi left for Saudi Arabia Wednesday morning for a day-long visit. This is his maiden foreign visit after taking over as Prime Minister early this month , replacing Nawaz Sharif who has been disqualified by country’s apex court from holding any public office.
Abbasi will hold a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman and discuss US President Donald Trump’s new policy regarding Pakistan.
Trump on Tuesday announced his strategy for the region in a much-anticipated speech and harshly criticised Pakistan for providing a safe-haven to “agents of chaos”.
Pakistan plans to issue a comprehensive statement after the meeting of National Security Committee on August 24 with Prime Minister Abbasi in the chair.
