Very difficult but not impossible to run US supply line to Afghanistan without Pakistan: officials
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WASHINGTON - The White House is demanding Pakistan crack down on Taliban elements and other groups that raise funds and take refuge in the border areas with Afghanistan.
It believes that a Pakistani crackdown could be pivotal in deciding the outcome of the war in Afghanistan -- entering its 17th year -- by weakening the Taliban militarily and forcing the organization to the negotiating table.
US officials believe that Pakistan s Inter-Services Intelligence agency and other military bodies have long helped fund and arm the Taliban for ideological reasons, but also to counter rising Indian influence in Afghanistan.
Islamabad denies those allegations and has called Trump s decision to threaten funding "counterproductive."
Pakistan s foreign ministry issued a cautious statement in which it said it was "engaged" with US officials and awaiting further details.
Without referring to the decision directly, it warned that "arbitrary deadlines, unilateral pronouncements and shifting goalposts are counterproductive in addressing common threats."
The announcement ignited some small protests in Pakistan on Friday, including in Chaman, one of the two main crossings on the border with Afghanistan where several hundred people gathered to chant anti-US slogans.
US officials admit that Pakistan could make life difficult for Washington by closing land routes that are vital to supply US troops in Afghanistan.
But, the official said, it was "difficult but not impossible" to find other ways to get equipment in. - Agencies
