US aware of K-P's budget allocation for Haqqania madrassa
US department spokesperson says govt of Pakistan, K-P can answer questions regarding funding
US department spokesperson says govt of Pakistan, K-P can answer questions regarding the funding. PHOTO: REUTERS
The United States on Thursday said it was aware the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government had proposed a budget of $3 million for Darul Uloom Haqqania seminary.
"I would refer you to the K-P government or the government of Pakistan with any questions concerning this funding," US State Department spokesperson John Kirby said during his weekly press briefing.
Rs300m for seminary: Zardari hits out at K-P for financing ‘promoters of private jihad’
Upon being reminded that Haqqania was the same madrassa which was funded by the US government and CIA in early 1980s to "oust the Soviets – occupiers from Afghanistan", Kirby said, "I’m going to let my statement stand."
Last week, Pakistan Peoples Party’s Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari castigated the provincial government of K-P for allocating public money for a privately-own Islamic seminary known for “its links with the Taliban and other militant groups”.
“This is nothing but legitimisation of militancy and militant Taliban that will undermine the nation’s resolve to fight militants to the finish,” Zardari said in a statement released by his spokesperson Senator Farhatullah Babar.
Rs90m allocated for renovation of religious places
When asked to comment on Adviser to PM on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz’s statement that the construction of CPEC was the reason behind tensions between the US and Pakistan, Kirby refused to detail diplomatic conversations between the two countries.
"Look, there are enormous challenges in the region. We continue to work with the – with Pakistan to try to address those challenges. I don't have anything more additional for you," he said.
"I would refer you to the K-P government or the government of Pakistan with any questions concerning this funding," US State Department spokesperson John Kirby said during his weekly press briefing.
Rs300m for seminary: Zardari hits out at K-P for financing ‘promoters of private jihad’
Upon being reminded that Haqqania was the same madrassa which was funded by the US government and CIA in early 1980s to "oust the Soviets – occupiers from Afghanistan", Kirby said, "I’m going to let my statement stand."
Last week, Pakistan Peoples Party’s Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari castigated the provincial government of K-P for allocating public money for a privately-own Islamic seminary known for “its links with the Taliban and other militant groups”.
“This is nothing but legitimisation of militancy and militant Taliban that will undermine the nation’s resolve to fight militants to the finish,” Zardari said in a statement released by his spokesperson Senator Farhatullah Babar.
Rs90m allocated for renovation of religious places
When asked to comment on Adviser to PM on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz’s statement that the construction of CPEC was the reason behind tensions between the US and Pakistan, Kirby refused to detail diplomatic conversations between the two countries.
"Look, there are enormous challenges in the region. We continue to work with the – with Pakistan to try to address those challenges. I don't have anything more additional for you," he said.