No safe havens for terrorists in Pakistan, NSC rejects Trump's remarks
The members of National Security Committee lauded China for defending Pakistan
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – National Security Committee (NSC) today rejected remarks given by US President Donald Trump in which he claimed there are safe havens for extremists in Pakistan while discussing his administration s reviewed policy for South Asia and Afghanistan.
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi chaired NSC meeting on Thursday in the capital where both civil and military leadership, including Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa, were seated. After condemning Trump’s remarks, the members jointly affirmed that there are no safe havens for terrorist organisations in Pakistan.
They lauded China for defending Pakistan in the cause and protested that the United States neglected Pakistan’s sacrifices and contributions in war on terror. We will not allow anyone to use Pakistan’s soil against any other country and have always supported peace process in Afghanistan, the members stressed.
NSC declared that Pakistan played the role of frontline against terrorism, realising that US ignored Pakistan despite its most number of sacrifices in the war. A notification about the minutes of meeting was issued later on, which rejected the claims of giving billions of dollars of aid to Pakistan, stressing that Pakistan is a sovereign country and will not compromise on its integrity. “Pakistan’s economy suffered loss of USD 120 billion in fight against terrorism … We expect neighbours to not allow anyone to use their land against us,” it stated.
Moreover, PM Shahid Khaqan took the committee members into confidence after his Saudi Arabia visit, mentioning that the ally praised Pakistan’s sacrifices in war against terrorism. Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif briefed the civil and military members about Trump’s statement on US policy review. He assured to raise the matter in his visit.
Related: Pakistan not looking for any financial assistance from US: COAS Bajwa
Earlier this month, NSC meeting was chaired by PM Shahid Khaqan on unprovoked cross-border firing by Indian forces across the Line of Control. The attendees had also condemned Indian oppression in held Kashmir on August 16.
