‘US to watch Pak’s choices over new Afghan policy’

US will “watch” Pakistan’s choices on President Donald Trump’s new Afghan and South Asia strategy to combat terrorism in its tracks, Defence Secretary Jim Mattis has said.

At the same time, Mattis also lauded India’s commitment towards the development in Afghanistan.

Trump, while announcing the new strategy for Afghanistan, had accused Pakistan of harbouring “agents of chaos” and providing safe havens to militant groups waging an insurgency against the US-backed government in Kabul.

Pakistan has opposed Trump’s Afghan and South Asia policy, saying it ignored the country’s sacrifices in the war against terrorism.

But, Mattis during a visit to Kabul said the new strategy was “not exclusive of someone”.

It is inclusive for all responsible states that want to stop terrorism in its tracks and defend the innocent, he said.

Mattis, who was in India before arriving in Kabul, said the South Asia strategy announced by the president in August was an opportunity for Pakistan.

“I agree 100 per cent with President Ghani that this South Asia strategy and this renewed commitment is an opportunity for Pakistan to engage in the counter terror campaign,” Mattis told reporters. PTI

WASHINGTON:The