PAK REJECTS USA CRITICISM, ARMY SAYS NOT LOOKING FOR AID

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’ s civilian and military leadership on Wednesday rejected President Donald Trump’s criticism of the country for harbouring terrorists and said Islamabad was not looking for US aid or help for the fight against terror.

While unveiling his new policy for Afghanistan on Monday, Trump signal led a toughening of the US position on Pakistan for sheltering terror groups. He also spoke of working closely with India, which he called on to provide more aid to Afghanistan.

During a meeting with US ambassador David Hale, army chief Gen Qamar Bajwa made it clear Pakistan would not fight terrorism to “appease anyone”.

“We are not looking for any material or financial assistance from USA but trust, understanding and acknowledge men to four contributions,” Bajwa said.

There marks were an apparent response to secretary of state Rex Till er son’ s comments that the US has some leverage, in terms of aid and Islamabad’s status as a non-Nato alliance partner.

In a terse reaction, the Foreign Office advised the US to work with Pakistan to eradicate terrorism “instead of relying on the false narrative of safe havens”.

It also noted regional peace and security “could not be isolated” from the “continued existence of festering disputes and pursuit of hegemonic policies” – an apparent reference to India’s role in Afghanistan .“Non-re solution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains the primary obstacle to peace and stability in the region,” it added.