Military, intelligence cooperation with US suspended: Pakistan

PESHAWAR (Pajhwok): Days after stringent criticism from President Donald Trump, Pakistan said it had suspended military and intelligence cooperation with the United States.

In a new year tweet, Trump alleged Pakistan had given the US nothing but lies and deceit and suspension in return for massive aid. The tirade was followed by suspension of security aid to Pakistan

Speaking at the Institute of Strategic Studies in Islamabad on Tuesday, Defence Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan claimed the US is facing defeat in Afghanistan despite spending billions of dollars.

Pakistan was being blamed for US failures in Afghanistan, he claimed, saying he would not put a price on Islamabad’s sacrifices but they must be recognised.

On the other hand, the US embassy in Islamabad denied it had been informed about the suspension of military cooperation by Pakistan.

Dastagir Khan asked the Americans to stabilise ungoverned spaces in Afghanistan before pointing an accusing finger at Pakistan's role in the Afghan peace process.

He regretted the US rhetoric and illogical demands had harmed serious efforts by Pakistan to ensure peace in the region.

The presence of Afghan refugees in large numbers in Pakistan, seeking sustainable peace in Afghanistan as part of its foreign policy, was another cause of internal instability,

"Pakistan and Russia have recently conducted joint military exercises. The army chief’s visit to Tehran has been a step forward in strengthening mutual relationships with regional countries," he concluded.

mud