On Tuesday, the Pakistani officials struck back at the U.S. President Donald Trump’s tweet saying Trump is completely incomprehensible and contradicted the facts. Pakistan constantly denies the fact that they shelter terrorists from the Taliban affiliated Haqqani network. Pakistani officials stated they are being made a scapegoat for the U.S. failures against terrorism.
On Monday, Trump tweeted the U.S. has been aiding Pakistan over the last 15 years and Pakistan has been aiding terrorists. Trump also threatened to stop the monetary aids to Pakistan. On Tuesday, the Prime Minister of Pakistan Shahid Khaqan Abbasi expressed his deep disappointment at the turn of events. Shahid said at a time when the relationship with the new administration is on a positive trajectory, these turn of events are disappointing.
Pakistani officials in a statement said, “Recent statements and articulation by the American leadership were completely incomprehensible as they contradicted facts manifestly, struck with great insensitivity at the trust between two nations built over generations and negated the decades of sacrifices made by the Pakistani Nation.” They further added, “Despite the unwarranted allegations, Pakistan cannot act in haste.”
Pakistan’s former Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri said, “The problem is that President Trump tweets every morning as if it’s a constitutional necessity. This is no way to conduct diplomacy.”
The U.S. Ambassador at the United Nations Nikki Haley said, “There are clear reasons for this. Pakistan has played a double game for years. They work with us at times and they also harbour the terrorists that attack our troops in Afghanistan.” Haley further added, “That game is not acceptable to this administration. We expect far more cooperation from Pakistan in the fight against terrorism.”
A Defence Analyst and retired Pakistan Lieutenant General Amjad Shoaib said, “It seems this relationship is headed to the point of no return where both countries could opt for different paths. American leaders are not acknowledging Pakistan’s sacrifices, and their language is very insulting and shameful.” Shoaib further added, “Trump says we have done nothing, it’s disgusting.”
On Tuesday, China stood up to defend Pakistan. The Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Geng Shuang said, “Pakistan has made enormous efforts and sacrifice for the fight against terrorism and has made a very outstanding contribution to the global cause of counter terrorism. The international community should acknowledge that.”
Geng further added, “China and Pakistan are all weather partners. We stand ready to promote and deepen our all round cooperation so as to bring benefits to the two sides.” Geng was questioned if Trump’s criticism would affect China’s efforts to bring peace between Pakistan and Afghanistan, he said China, Pakistan and Afghanistan are not only linked closely geographically but also in terms of common interests. It is natural for the trio to enhance communication and exchanges.
