WASHINGTON – Speaking on CBS show Face the Nation on Sunday, CIA Chief MikePompeo has said US has given Pakistan a “chance” to reinstate its alliancewith the United States by holding back aid until Pakistan proves itscommitment to fight all terrorist groups operating in the region.

“If they fix this problem, we’re happy to continue to engage with them andbe their partner. But if they don’t, we’re going to protect America,” hesaid.

Providing the “intelligence perspective” on the situation in Pak-Afghanregion, the CIA director said: “We see the Pakistanis continuing to providesafe harbour, havens inside of Pakistan for terrorists who present risks tothe United States of America.

“We are doing our best to inform the Pakistanis that this is no longergoing to be acceptable.”

When asked by the host whether it was a good idea to pressure Pakistan, anuclear power, by cutting off all aid, Pompeo said he would avoidaddressing this policy and could only present the intelligence viewpoint.

The host mentioned that Pakistan provides a number of facilities to the UScounterterrorism forces in exchange for the aid and whether that could be anational security problem for the US. He wondered whether this relationshipthat “may not be perfect” could continue nevertheless.

“The president has made very clear that he needs Pakistan to cease being asafe haven for terrorists that threaten the United States of America, end,period, full stop,” the CIA chief responded.