All is not well with US-Pak ties

All is not hunky-dory about US-Pakistan ties and it was evident last week due to the mixed signals emanating from his team.

While on one hand President Donald Trump thanked Pakistan and its leader for freeing hostages, his team castigated the nuclear-armed nation for not doing enough to crush terror.

On Saturday, Mr Trump said Pakistan took “tremendous advantage” of the US over the years, but the two countries are now “starting to have a real” relationship,

His statement came a day after Pakistani forces rescued an American-Canadian family from the Haqqani terror group.

Earlier, 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.

However, on Saturday, 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”.

However, a few days later US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley said that India can help America in keeping an eye on Pakistan and ensure that it is held accountable for giving safe havens to terrorists.

“Pakistan has been a partner to the United States at times. We value and respect that. But, we cannot tolerate this government or any other government giving safe haven to terrorists who target Americans. This new approach will require understanding and restraint from both Pakistan and India,” she said.

A day later, secretary of state Rex Tillerson said the US expects Pakistan to take decisive action against terrorists and such a move will improve Islamabad’s international standing as well as stability in the region.

“It is the obligation, not choice, of every civilised nation to combat the scourge of terrorism. The United States and India are leading that regional effort together,” he said.

Earlier, time and again, Pakistan too has hit back at United States saying that the former does not need latter’s military or financial help.