WASHINGTON – CIA Director Mike Pompeo alleged on Sunday that Pakistan wascontinuing to provide safe harbor havens inside its territory forterrorists who were a threat to United States.
“We are doing our best to inform Pakistanis that it was no longer going tobe acceptable. So this- this conditioned aid, we’ve given them a chance. Ifthey fix this problem, we’re happy to continue to engage with them and betheir partner. But if they don’t, we’re going to protect America,” Pompoesaid as he appeared on ‘Face the Nation’ program broadcast on CBStelevision network.
To another question regarding the relationship between Islamabad andWashington on the long-standing issue of terrorism, the official clarifiedthat the president had made very clear that he needed Pakistan to ceasebeing a safe haven for terrorists that threaten the United States ofAmerica.
The allegations by spy chief come on the heels of discontinuation of aid toPakistan by the tycoon-turned-president as described in his first tweet of2018.
On the other hand, Islamabad denies the allegations arguing it launchedrobust anti-terror drive against the militants without any discrimination.
Pakistan maintains that it has fought world’s biggest war on terror largelyfrom its own resources for its own peace and security and for the regionaland global peace as well.
Earlier on Sunday, US Defense Secretary James Mattis said the United Stateswas still working with Pakistan to coordinate military supply routes neededfor the fight in Afghanistan.