Pakistan has reacted strongly to US President Donald Trump’s tweets in which he accused Islamabad of deliberately shielding Osama bin Laden, and “not doing anything” for Washington in Afghanistan.
Prime Minister Imran Khan was the first to counter Trump. He took to Twitter on Monday to give a rebuttal to Trump’s claims.
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
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa addressed specific accusations launched by Trump, claiming that Pakistan has done more for peace “than any other country.”
“Pakistan has successfully fought against terrorism while also contributing to regional peace”, the director-general of the Army’s media wing tweeted on behalf of the Army chief.
In addition to statements issued against Trump’s claims by military and civil leaders, which included jibes by cabinet ministers, the Foreign Office also summoned American Chargé d’Affaires Paul Jones on Tuesday to explain the US president’s statements.
Worsening relations
Analysts note that the statements from Trump and Khan are the latest indication that relations between the two countries have nosedived. A growing mistrust between the two states has been observed since the Bin Laden raid in 2011, with American drone strikes inside Pakistani territory and claims that Islamabad was shielding the Taliban.
However, following Trump’s election, Washington has increasingly singled out Pakistan as the “root” of regional instability. The US President’s South Asia policy announced last year also accused Islamabad of “providing safe havens” for jihadist groups.
After the election win by Imran Khan, who is perceived as a rightwing nationalist, many had feared that Pakistan and the US might come to a better understanding with two populist leaders at the helm.
The two countries’ only meaningful formal exchange since Khan’s election win in July was US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s visit to Islamabad in September, where both states claimed that ties had been “reset” after Pakistan put on a show of civilian and military unity for the American delegation.
Pakistan’s US policy
Civil and military leaders expressed similar unity to issue a strong rebuttal to Trump in what is seen as a national consensus on Pakistan’s US policy. Sources within the military claim that this has been brought about following the US announcing that it would cut military aid to Pakistan in January this year.
“The reason for the rift in the US-Pakistan relationship is the divergence of interests between the two countries, especially over Afghanistan but also over China’s expanding influence in Asia,” former Pakistan Ambassador to the US Husain Haqqani told Asia Times.
“Tweets by President Trump and Imran Khan only highlight the breach, they won’t be a major factor in the breach. Khan not only parrots the Pakistani establishment’s line, he also echoes the sentiment in Pakistan, which tends to be anti-American.”
Haqqani believes that the manner in which the two leaders issued their statements and got entangled in a heated exchange on Twitter does not mean that they aren’t accurately representing their states’ respective positions. It is an observation expressed by many regional analysts.
“Trump said in a very undiplomatic way what US governments have been saying all along, and Khan said undiplomatically what Pak governments have responded always,” noted security analyst Ayesha Siddiqa, author of ‘Military Inc.: Inside Pakistan’s Military Economy’.
IMF bailout
The Khan-Trump verbal exchange comes as Islamabad is discussing terms with the International Monetary Fund for a 13th bailout package. The terms of those negotiations are one reason that Pakistan has sought a rejig of the economic corridor and trade pact with China after Mike Pompeo urged the IMF to “reject” the bailout if it benefits Beijing.
“[The US-Pakistan relations] are doomed and this is evidence of what we already know. [However], the conversation itself is not what will doom relations. It is no longer about relations with the US, but [about the] money we hope to get from the IMF,” Siddiqa said.
Haqqani doesn’t feel that Trump calling out Pakistan and Islamabad retorting would have too much of an impact on the government seeking an IMF bailout. However, he warns that alienating Washington will not help Islamabad.
“I doubt Khan’s words will come in the way of Pakistani officials continuing to seek American aid or US support for an IMF program,” he said. “Pakistan’s ongoing talks with the IMF have already been tough and lack of US sympathy for Pakistan or the Khan government will certainly not help in bridging the divide between the IMF’s demands and Pakistan’s expectations.”
The war of words between the US and Pakistan comes after Russia hosted a delegation representing the Taliban for talks in Moscow to try to find a way to end the 17-year conflict for Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, at least 50 people were killed and over 80 injured in a suicide bombing targeting religious clerics in Kabul on Tuesday.
Trump is the best US President India ever had, he’s economically strangling our enemies Porkistan and China
Trump is the best US President India ever had, he’s economically strangling our enemies Porkistan and China
Sunny Nair, first go to school to learn English , then talk. "US president India has"? This means he is the president of India. Well, no wonders, Indians are the the sublime models of slavery, they can’t and never want to to come out of slavery of the west. Because This is what they have got inherited since at their birth.
Sunny Nair, first go to school to learn English , then talk. "US president India has"? This means he is the president of India. Well, no wonders, Indians are the the sublime models of slavery, they can’t and never want to to come out of slavery of the west. Because This is what they have got inherited since at their birth.
You could use a better representative picture than this for His Excellency the Prime Minister of Pakistan and second there was a better commentary and more relevant people to quote on the issue than you used.
It is very important from editorial quality and relevance perspective to use discretion in such matters to give credibility and quality to a report .. Rest is all fine .. Stay Blessed .. Peace .. Z
You could use a better representative picture than this for His Excellency the Prime Minister of Pakistan and second there was a better commentary and more relevant people to quote on the issue than you used.
It is very important from editorial quality and relevance perspective to use discretion in such matters to give credibility and quality to a report .. Rest is all fine .. Stay Blessed .. Peace .. Z
Yes sir Modi and Trump nexus will surely destory India and America as far Pakistan is concerned, please use Google translate ..
عرفی تو می اندیش زغوغاے رقیباں
آواز سگاں کم نکند رزق گدارا ۔۔
Yes sir Modi and Trump nexus will surely destory India and America as far Pakistan is concerned, please use Google translate ..
عرفی تو می اندیش زغوغاے رقیباں
آواز سگاں کم نکند رزق گدارا ۔۔
All we know is that Americans & afghans sheltered anti Pakistan, anti Uzbekistan, anti China & anti Russia terrorists against Pakistan and now theyll pay the price !
All we know is that Americans & afghans sheltered anti Pakistan, anti Uzbekistan, anti China & anti Russia terrorists against Pakistan and now theyll pay the price !
Muhammad Fayyaz
Muhammad Fayyaz
U must be hallucinating, douchebag! Let me cite some FACTS for your edification:
1. In 1948, Mohammed Ali Jinnah, in an interview with LIFE magazine, told its corresspodent that “Pakistan is the pivot of Asia…” and expected largesse in terms of money and aid from the WEST (USA,etc)… Evere since, Pakistan became the BEGGAR of the WORLD!
2. For the past 70 years, Pakistan got aid and money from the West. It also begged for money from SAUDI ARABIA, and lately, from CHINA.
3. The Pakistani writer, Tariq Ali, described Pakistan as a “USED CONDOM”, used by everybody because it allowed itself tobe used!
4. The Saudi Arabian prince, MBS, described PAKISTAN as a SLAVE NATION!
5. Pakistan is like a CRACK WHORE, waiting on sufferance for its next fix of money and aid.
6. The Late US prez, Nixon, described the Pakistanis as EXTERMELY STUPID, but LOYAL! Yes, Loyal to MONEY and AID, just like a BEGGAR NATION!
So, dude, it is PAKISTAN that has always behaved like a SLAVE NATION filled with BUTT-LICKERS who will bend over grease up for the USA, SAUDI ARABIA, CHINA, and anyone else!
Muhammad Fayyaz
Muhammad Fayyaz
U must be hallucinating, douchebag! Let me cite some FACTS for your edification:
1. In 1948, Mohammed Ali Jinnah, in an interview with LIFE magazine, told its corresspodent that “Pakistan is the pivot of Asia…” and expected largesse in terms of money and aid from the WEST (USA,etc)… Evere since, Pakistan became the BEGGAR of the WORLD!
2. For the past 70 years, Pakistan got aid and money from the West. It also begged for money from SAUDI ARABIA, and lately, from CHINA.
3. The Pakistani writer, Tariq Ali, described Pakistan as a “USED CONDOM”, used by everybody because it allowed itself tobe used!
4. The Saudi Arabian prince, MBS, described PAKISTAN as a SLAVE NATION!
5. Pakistan is like a CRACK WHORE, waiting on sufferance for its next fix of money and aid.
6. The Late US prez, Nixon, described the Pakistanis as EXTERMELY STUPID, but LOYAL! Yes, Loyal to MONEY and AID, just like a BEGGAR NATION!
So, dude, it is PAKISTAN that has always behaved like a SLAVE NATION filled with BUTT-LICKERS who will bend over grease up for the USA, SAUDI ARABIA, CHINA, and anyone else!
Trump is least educated usa president.he does not know abc of history.
PAKISTAN DESTROYED SOVIET UNION.59 THOUSANDS PAKISTANI GAVE THEIR LIVES.
IN RETURN PAKISTAN GOT TERRORISM WHICH IT HAS BEEN BATTLING.75 THOUSANDS PAKISTANI DIED IN THIS FIGHT.
AMERICAN JUST BRANDED GUNS.
PAKISTAN IS LATE TO UNDERSTAND THAT WHILE THEY WERE SHEDDINGTHEIR BLOOD FOR AMERICA.AMERICANS WERE DEVELOPING INDIA IT INDUSTRY.
IT MAY BE CHINA FEAR BUT PAKISTAN WAS LEFT IN LURCH.THEY FINALLY LEARNT THE BOBLE GAME AMERICANS WERE PLAYING
TRUMP JUST BROUGHT IT IN THE OPEN.
WHICH IS GOOD FOR PAKISTAN.
Trump is least educated usa president.he does not know abc of history.
PAKISTAN DESTROYED SOVIET UNION.59 THOUSANDS PAKISTANI GAVE THEIR LIVES.
IN RETURN PAKISTAN GOT TERRORISM WHICH IT HAS BEEN BATTLING.75 THOUSANDS PAKISTANI DIED IN THIS FIGHT.
AMERICAN JUST BRANDED GUNS.
PAKISTAN IS LATE TO UNDERSTAND THAT WHILE THEY WERE SHEDDINGTHEIR BLOOD FOR AMERICA.AMERICANS WERE DEVELOPING INDIA IT INDUSTRY.
IT MAY BE CHINA FEAR BUT PAKISTAN WAS LEFT IN LURCH.THEY FINALLY LEARNT THE BOBLE GAME AMERICANS WERE PLAYING
TRUMP JUST BROUGHT IT IN THE OPEN.
WHICH IS GOOD FOR PAKISTAN.
Omar Khokhar
U are an ignoramus and full of hatred and bigotry towards the Jews! I am not Jewish BUT I admire the Jewish people, who have survived so much tribulations at the hands of lesser people and still come out on top.
Here are some facts to digest that even a doofus like you should be able to understand:
1. U.S. gave $20.7 billion in military and economic development aid to Pakistan from fiscal 2002 through fiscal 2011
2. Pakistan has historically been among the top recipients of US aid – since 1948, the US has sent more than £30bn in direct aid to the country. Nearly half of this has been for military assistance.
If there is a BEGGAR NATION, then it is PAKISTAN BY A MILE!
Israel is a tough nation that has defeated all Arab states in 1948, 1967 and 1973. It has outwitted dumb Arabs and Moslems for decades.
The Jews in Israel and everywhere have proved that they are a unique people who have survived depredations and anti-semitic biogtry at the hands of various nations, and still come out on top.
The Jews are a community who have contributed in every field of human endeavour – from the hard sciences to the arts and humanities, and politics and business – proportionally more than any other community.
Such a people are an asset to common humanity, and of course, those inadequates who continually lay the blame of the Jews for every wrong in this world burn with intense jealousy and envy at their phenomenal success!
Omar Khokhar
U are an ignoramus and full of hatred and bigotry towards the Jews! I am not Jewish BUT I admire the Jewish people, who have survived so much tribulations at the hands of lesser people and still come out on top.
Here are some facts to digest that even a doofus like you should be able to understand:
1. U.S. gave $20.7 billion in military and economic development aid to Pakistan from fiscal 2002 through fiscal 2011
2. Pakistan has historically been among the top recipients of US aid – since 1948, the US has sent more than £30bn in direct aid to the country. Nearly half of this has been for military assistance.
If there is a BEGGAR NATION, then it is PAKISTAN BY A MILE!
Israel is a tough nation that has defeated all Arab states in 1948, 1967 and 1973. It has outwitted dumb Arabs and Moslems for decades.
The Jews in Israel and everywhere have proved that they are a unique people who have survived depredations and anti-semitic biogtry at the hands of various nations, and still come out on top.
The Jews are a community who have contributed in every field of human endeavour – from the hard sciences to the arts and humanities, and politics and business – proportionally more than any other community.
Such a people are an asset to common humanity, and of course, those inadequates who continually lay the blame of the Jews for every wrong in this world burn with intense jealousy and envy at their phenomenal success!
Ignoramus,
India developed its own I.T. industry via its multinationals (INFOSYS, WIPRO, TATA, SATYAM, etc)and gets 75% of all contracts in th wrold’s biggest IT market, the USA!
Ignoramus,
India developed its own I.T. industry via its multinationals (INFOSYS, WIPRO, TATA, SATYAM, etc)and gets 75% of all contracts in th wrold’s biggest IT market, the USA!