Trump U-turn on Pakistan

After flaying it for backing terror, says ties are for real

Washington, Oct. 14: Pakistan took “tremendous advantage” of the US over the years, but the two countries are now “starting to have a real” relationship, President Donald Trump has said, a day after Pakistani forces rescued an American-Canadian family from the Haqqani terror group.

Mr Trump had slammed Pakistan for its continued support to terrorist groups and warned Islamabad of consequences if it continues to do so while announcing his Afghan and South Asia policy in August.

The President thanked Pakistani leaders for cooperating with the US on many fronts. “Starting to develop a much better relationship with Pakistan and its leaders. I want to thank them for their cooperation on many fronts,” Mr Trump tweeted.

“On Friday, things happened with Pakistan. I have openly said Pakistan took tremendous advantage of our country for many years, but we’re starting to have a real relationship with Pakistan, and they’re to respect us as a nation again, and so are other nations,” Mr Trump said.

“They are starting to respect the United States of America again,” he said and thanked the leaders of Pakistan for “what they’ve been doing”.

Democratic Congressman Ted Lieu said: “On this I agree” with Mr Trump. “Pakistan is a critical ally in fighting against terrorists," he said in a tweet.