Washington: US President Donald Trump lashed out at Pakistan and accused it of "lies and deceit" in return of the $33 billion aid the US gave it in the last 15 years. "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 a strongly worded tweet. "They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!" Trump said in his first tweet of the year.
This is the strongest warning yet from the US president. In his new South Asia policy unveiled in August, Trump had called for tougher measures against Pakistan if it did not cooperate with the US in its fight against terrorism. Earlier this month, Trump had hinted that he may cut off the aid for good. "We make massive payments every year to Pakistan. They have to help," he said in unveiling his national security strategy. And last week, Vice President Mike Pence told American troops during a visit to Afghanistan: "President Trump has put Pakistan on notice."
US withholds $255 mn to Pakistan
The Trump administration has, meanwhile, indicated it would be withholding $255 million in foreign military financing, and possibly future aid for Islamabad, following the US President's New Year tweet. White House officials conveyed to the media that the administration plans to put a lock on the money pending Pakistan demonstrably acting against terrorism in a way that furthers Trump's South Asia Strategy. The strategy invests regional primacy on India, by far the largest country in the region, including giving it a key role in Afghanistan, a situation Pakistan resents and which it has protested against.
"The president has made clear the US expects Pakistan to take decisive action against terrorists and militants on its soil, and that Pakistan's actions in support of the South Asia Strategy will ultimately determine the trajectory of our relationship, including future security assistance," a White House National Security Council spokesman told the media.
Trump's tweet has traumatised Pakistan going by reactions from the country. Although some Pakistan shills argued it should not be taken as policy, the tweet was widely welcomed in the US and beyond, including by his son.
Pak PM calls for emergency meeting
Stung by Trump’s tweet berating his country, Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has summoned a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) on Wednesday. Abbasi will chair the meeting to discuss the future course of action following the US President’s scathing statement against Pakistan. The meeting will be attended by Foreign Minister, Interior Minister, Minister for Defence, services chiefs besides, senior civil and military officers, a statement issued by Abbasi’s office said. Pakistan also summoned US Ambassador David Hale to lodge its protest against Trump’s statement, reports said. Hours after Trump’s tweet, a top White House official confirmed that Washington has indeed decided to block $255 million aid to Islamabad.
