US asks Pakistan to act against all 'externally-oriented' terror groups
The US has expressed concern over terrorist groups continuing to enjoy safe haven in Pakistan and is asking the country to do more against "externally oriented" extremist outfits, Alice Wells, the Head of South and Central Asian Bureau at US State Department said. Wells also welcomed Pakistani PM Imran Khan's remarks on the importance of having peace on both sides of country's borders.
Wells was addressing Foreign Press Center video conference from Washington
Wells was addressing a Foreign Press Center video conference from Washington on "US Policy in the Indian Ocean Region" during which she previewed her upcoming travel to the Indian Ocean Conference hosted by the India Foundation in Hanoi on August 27-28.
Pakistan has critical role to play in Afghanistan's stabilization: Wells
"Pakistan has an important role to play in furthering stability in Afghanistan. We have expressed our concern over the fact that terrorist proxy groups continue to be able to enjoy safe haven in Pakistan," Alice Wells said. "We are urging the government to do more to bring pressure to bear against these organizations, externally oriented terrorist groups," she added.
Wells on Afghanistan and security situation in region
Responding to questions on Afghanistan and security situation in the region, Wells said, "We've encouraged Pakistan to take stronger steps to ensure that Taliban either come to the negotiating table or expelled back into Afghanistan rather than enjoy safe haven outside of the country."
Afghanistan needs to be 'stitched back into the region': Wells
On a question on President Donald Trump's South Asia Strategy announced last year encompassing Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, the Central Asian nations, and extending into Southeast Asia, Wells said the South Asia strategy "obviously pointed to the role that India can and should play in supporting the stabilization of Afghanistan." Wells said Afghanistan needs to be "stitched back into the region".
