The US has asked Pakistan to show “concrete actions” to prove its commitment in the war against terrorism, and has sought an explanation from Islamabad on its ignorance about slain Osama bin Laden’s hideout.
The statement in this regard came from the State Department amidst increasing questions being raised by lawmakers and think tanks on Pakistan’s commitment to fight against terrorism.
“We’re going to look for concrete actions and concrete signs from the Pakistanis that they’re also committed to this,” State Department spokesman Mark Toner told reporters.
At the same time, Toner said it is also important that Pak-US counterterrorism cooperation that’s been going on since 9/11 has borne fruit and has led to some successes.
“It has put increased pressure on al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups operating within Pakistan. Terrorism is an existential threat for Pakistan,” he said, adding thousands of Pakistanis have been killed both by al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups.
“So we believe it’s important that this kind of cooperation continue,” he added.
Toner said the US has asked a number of questions to Pakistan with regard to the hideout of Osama bin Laden, the al Qaeda leader, in an affluent suburb of Islamabad.
“Certainly, we’ve raised these issues with them. The Pakistanis have said they have the same concerns, and they’re looking into it. It’s hard for me to say. These kinds of investigations can take some time,” he said.
The US is looking for the Pakistanis to address what the Administration believes are legitimate concerns raised by it and the Congress.
“They recognise that we’ll look to them to provide answers to those questions,” he said.
Prove your commitment, show concrete actions: US tells Pakistan
