Address problem of militant safe havens: White House to Pakistan
What's the story
The US has made it clear to Pakistani leaders that it expects them to constructively address the problem of militant safe havens in the country, the White House said after President Donald Trump and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan faced off over the issue that has impacted bilateral ties.
Trump on Sunday accused Pakistan of not doing "a damn thing" for the US.
US-Pak ties
Trump also said Pakistan knew about Laden living in Abbottabad
Trump also alleged that Pakistan knew that bin Laden, the Al Qaeda leader, was living in a mansion on the outskirts of its garrison city of Abbottabad and all the aid being given to Pakistan, which is $1.3 billion per annum, was a waste.
Khan reacted angrily by saying that his country had suffered enough by fighting terrorism on behalf of the United States.
Twitter Post
Trump needs to be informed about historical facts, thunders Imran
Trump’s false assertions add insult to the injury Pak has suffered in US WoT in terms of lives lost destabilised economic costs. He needs to be informed abt historical facts. Pak has suffered enough fighting US's war. Now we will do what is best for our people our interests
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) November 19, 2018
Quote
White House hopes Pakistan realizes importance of cooperation with US
The WH defended Trump's decision to suspend security assistance to Pakistan as it failed to address the problem of militant safe havens. "We remain hopeful that Pakistan will realize it is in its own interest to cooperate with the US strategy in Afghanistan," it said.
Complaints
Trump also accused Pakistan while announcing his South Asia policy
The US and others have long complained that Pakistan provides a safe haven to militants, allowing them to carry out attacks in Afghanistan, a charge that Islamabad denies.
Trump while announcing his new South Asia policy last August accused Pakistan of failing to do enough against terrorist groups inside the country.
Tensions in the tenuous relationship between US and Pakistan increased since Trump's election.
Information
In September, Trump canceled $300mn military aid to Pakistan
In January, the US government announced it was cutting almost all security aid to Pakistan. In September, the Trump administration canceled $300mn in military aid to Islamabad for its failure to act against terror groups like the Haqqani Network and Taliban active on its soil.