A Pentagon spokesperson, while speaking of the common threat of terrorism to the US and Pakistan, said on Friday that “it is important to remember the Pakistani people have become and are victims of terrorism, just like the people in Paris are this week.”
“It is for Pakistan to continue the fight against terrorism in its own interest as Pakistanis have been victims of terror,” said Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Admiral John Kirby during a press briefing in Washington.
He also said that the United States would continue to support Pakistan to eliminate the shared threat of terrorism, adding that military cooperation also continues to improve between the two countries.
“And it’s a common threat, a common challenge that we all have to continue to work on together and to look for ways to improve that cooperation. I will also tell you that cooperation with Pakistan and Pakistani military in general continues to improve,” Kirby said.
Responding to a question regarding Washington putting pressure on Pakistan, Kirby said, “It’s not about us putting pressure on the Pakistani government. It’s about the Pakistani government continuing to address this threat in keeping with their best interests and the interests of their people.”
“And it’s a shared threat, a shared challenge that we have, and we have maintained an interest in helping them deal with, and that will continue,” he added.
Further regarding militant sanctuaries, Kirby said it has long been an issue of concern for them. “It’s long been a topic of discussion with our Pakistani counterparts.”