PAKISTAN REACTIONS AFTER TRUMP’S PAK-AFGHAN POLICY SPEECH

National Security Committee: “The committee observed that Pakistan had to manage the blowback of a protracted conflict in Afghanistan that resulted in a deluge of refugees, flow of drugs and arms and, recently, terrorist safe havens in eastern Afghanistan… Instead of any financial or material assistance, there should be understanding and recognition of our efforts, contributions and sacrifice of thousands of Pakistanis and over $120 billion of economic losses.”

Chief of Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa:“We are not looking for any material or financial assistance from the US, but trust, understanding and [an] acknowledgement of our contributions.”

Defence Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan: “As a matter of policy, Pakistan does not allow its territory to be used against any country. Instead of relying on the false narrative of safe havens, the US needs to work with Pakistan to eradicate terrorism. The threat to peace and security cannot be isolated from the complex interplay of geopolitics, the continued existence of festering disputes and the pursuit of hegemonic policies. The non-resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remained the primary obstacle to peace and stability in the region.”

Opposition leader Imran Khan: “Just as India blames Pakistan for the indigenous Kashmiri uprisings when these are a result of its own failed policy of military repression in India-held Kashmir, the US again blames Pakistan for its deeply flawed and failed Afghan policy stretching over a decade. This should teach Pakistan once and for all a valuable lesson: Never to fight others’ wars for the lure of dollars.”

Opposition leader Sherry Rehman: “US policy on Afghanistan doesn’t sound new. But the administration is new, so its tactical plus geostrategic moves have amplified an old dogma... Others need to do more in Afghanistan, not Pakistan. I guess we were doing all right as long as [our] supply lines were needed.”