Revoke major non-NATO ally status of Pak: US lawmakers

Hailing Donald Trump’s new tough line against Pakistan, top US lawmakers have demanded that Islamabad be designated a “state sponsor of terrorism” and its major non-NATO ally status be revoked to force it stop from supporting terrorist groups.

President Trump on Tuesday called out Pakistan for supporting terror groups and providing them safe havens within its territory.

The criticism came as a part of his speech outlining the new US strategy to end the 16-year war in Afghanistan and bring peace and stability in the larger South Asian region.

“President Trump’s speech marked a positive shift in US policy, but it must not be limited only to words. If Pakistan does not stop aiding terrorists with American blood on their hands we must cut all aid to Islamabad, revoke their privileged status as a major non-NATO ally, and designate Pakistan a state sponsor of terrorism,” Congressman Ted Poe said. He said Trump’s speech was a rude aw akening for Pakistani military and intelligence services, who “keep betraying” the US while accepting billions in aid from Washington.

“Despite Pakistan’s ongoing treachery, Islamabad is among the leading recipients of US foreign assistance since 9/11 and is praised in some quarters of the US government as a ‘vital’ ally. This must stop – if we want to stabilise Afghanistan, we must deal first with Pakistan,” he said.