WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump tweeted on Monday that the UnitedStates had foolishly given Pakistan over $33 billion in aid over the last15 years.
In his tweet, Trump accused Pakistan of given nothing but lies and deceitthinking US leaders to be fools. “They give safe havens to the terroristswe hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!”
In a news conference held on 28 December, Director General Inter-ServicesPublic Relations (DG ISPR), Major General Asif Ghaffor stated no organisedinfrastructure of a terrorist organisation exists in Pakistan. Hisstatement was in reference to the unfounded talk by the US and Afghanistanon the presence of terrorist bases in Pakistan.
“We have been saying that Pakistan has fought twice an imposed and importedwar inside Pakistan. We have sacrificed a lot. We have paid a huge priceboth in blood and treasure. We have done enough and we cannot do any morefor anyone. Whatever we are doing and shall, will only be done forPakistan.”
The spokesperson clarified that the Coalition Support Fund, received fromthe US, is reimbursement of money spent for operations in support of thecoalition for regional peace.
“Had we not supported, al-Qaeda would not have been defeated,” the ISPRchief stated.
Commenting on blaming Pakistan for inaction against the Haqqani Network,Ghafoor said: “Blame for inaction against [the] Haqqani Network might havebeen relevant owing to our capacity issues till Zarb-e-Azb”.
However, he added, the Army went into North Waziristan indiscriminately andtook action against the Haqqani Network as well. “The effect of anyoperation does not appear at that time. What we do today or this year, theimpact will be felt in subsequent years and months.”