US again asks Pakistan to act on terrorism

WASHINGTON: The United States has reminded Pakistan that the suspension of security aid is not permanent and it could be resumed if Islamabad takes “decisive actions” against terrorists operating from its soil.

“Our expectations are straightforward: Taliban and Haqqani leadership and attack planners should no longer be able to find safe haven or conduct operations from Pakistani soil,” Pentagon spokesman Bob Manning told reporters on Monday.

The Trump administration announced last week it was suspending nearly $2 billion in security aid, while leaving economic and civilian assistance untouched, for Pakistan’s failure to act decisively against terrorists operating from its soil.

The administration made clear the decision amounted to suspension and not cancellation of security aid, which has been used to bolster Pakistan’s counter-terror capabilities, under what is called Foreign Military Funding, and to reimburse it for expenses incurred in combating

terrorism in support of the international coalition in Afghanistan.

The US has conveyed to Pakistan the specific actions it wants to see being taken before the aid, which is substantial, is resumed. Officials have refused to discuss details, saying they have been the subject of private conversations.