National Security Committee (NSC) today rejected remarks given by US President Donald Trump in which he claimed there are safe havens for extremists in Pakistan while discussing his administration s reviewed policy for South Asia and Afghanistan.
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi chaired NSC meeting on Thursday in the capital where both civil and military leadership, including Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa, were seated. After condemning Trump’s remarks, the members jointly affirmed that there are no safe havens for terrorist organisations in Pakistan.
Read more: trump backs off Afghan withdrawal, lambasts Pakistan over terrorist 'safe havens'
They lauded China for defending Pakistan in the cause and protested that the United States neglected Pakistan’s sacrifices and contributions in war on terror. We will not allow anyone to use Pakistan’s soil against any other country and have always supported peace process in Afghanistan, the members stressed.
NSC declared that Pakistan played the role of frontline against terrorism, realising that US ignored Pakistan despite its most number of sacrifices in the war.
Also read: China defends Pakistan after trump criticism
Moreover, PM Shahid Khaqan took the committee members into confidence after his Saudi Arabia visit, mentioning that the ally praised Pakistan’s sacrifices in war against terrorism. Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif briefed the civil and military members about Trump’s statement on US policy review. He assured to raise the matter in his visit.
Earlier this month, NSC meeting was chaired by PM Shahid Khaqan on unprovoked cross-border firing by Indian forces across the Line of Control. The attendees had also condemned Indian oppression in held Kashmir on August 16.
According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Wednesday, US Ambassador to Pakistan David Hale called on Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the GHQ.
Ambassador Hale said the US values Pakistan's role in the war against terror and is seeking cooperation from Pakistan to resolve the Afghan issue.
Laying emphasis that peace in Afghanistan was important for Pakistan as for any other country, the army chief said Pakistan has done a lot towards that end and shall keep on doing its best; not to appease anyone but in line with Pakistan's national interest and national policy.
Gen Bajwa said Pakistan is not looking for any material or financial assistance from the United States but rather trust, understanding and acknowledgment of its contributions.
