NSC highlights Pakistan’s unflinching resolve in fight against terrorism
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi chaired a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) on Tuesday, with the forum stating that Pakistan has fought against terror with unflinching resolve and action was taken against all militant organisations.
The high-level huddle of the country's civilian and military leadership came after US President Donald Trump's tweet and threat to cut Pakistan's aid.
"The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools," Trump said in the early-morning New Year's Day tweet.
"They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!"
The committee further stated that the country is unflinching in its resolve for establishing peace in Pakistan.
Sources said it was also decided during the NSC meeting to summon a parliamentary meeting to discuss the anti-Pakistan statement by Trump and take the parliamentary leaders into confidence over Pakistan's response.
The meeting was originally scheduled to take place on Wednesday along with a meeting of the federal cabinet. The top civilian and military leadership of the country attended the meeting.
According to reports, the NSC meeting was briefed by Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Pakistan's diplomatic efforts, while the Director General Military Operations also briefed on the efforts taken in the fight against terrorism.
Pakistan’s Ambassador the United States, Aizaz Chaudhry arrived in Pakistan to attend the NSC meeting. He was expected to brief the NSC on his meeting with high-level officials in the US.
On Monday, Pakistan’s Foreign Office summoned US Ambassador David Hale to record a protest over President Trump’s tweet.
Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif, in a reply to the US president's tweet, said Pakistan will let the world know the truth and will be responding to Trump's tweet. He added that there is a difference between facts and fiction.
The foreign minister, following the tweet by Trump, called on Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, sources informed Geo News. The meeting held a detailed review of Trump's statement, sources added, besides discussing the country's foreign policy.
Corps Commanders discuss input for NSC meeting
The Corps Commanders Conference was held at the General Headquarters and discussed input for the National Security Committee meeting.
The Corps Commanders also reviewed the geo-strategic environment and internal security situation.
'Pakistan capable of defending itself'
Defence Minister Khurram Dastagir, in response to US President Donald Trump’s tweet, said that Pakistan is fully capable of defending its motherland.
The soldiers of Pakistan Armed Forces and civilians have given great sacrifices in the war against terrorism, he told a private news channel after Trump lashed out at Pakistan with threats to cut aid over "lies" about militancy.
Commenting on the tweet, Dastagir said Pakistan had extended unprecedented cooperation to the United States for eliminating Al-Qaeda from its soil and Afghanistan, besides fighting the war against terrorism.
Pakistan does not have any safe havens for terrorists, he said.
The terrorists from Afghanistan have targeted our armed forces and civilians due to which Pakistan has had to suffer a lot, the Defence Minister said.
He made it clear that Afghanistan's war would not be fought from the soil of Pakistan.
'Trump briefed by enemies of Pakistan'
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan said Trump was briefed by the enemies of Pakistan. "He [Trump] was working on the agenda of Pakistan's enemies."
Khan stressed that the US president was not aware of the realities in Afghanistan and the sacrifices rendered by Pakistan. “Trump has no understanding of the war on terror and the destruction caused in Pakistan," Khan said, adding “everyone knows the damages this has caused to our economy. 70,000 people have been killed in the war which had nothing to do with Pakistan.
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