Politicians react to Trump's remarks against Pakistan over Afghan policy

US President had lambasted Pakistan for 'harbouring agents of chaos, violence, and terror'

Politicians reacted strongly on Tuesday to the US President Donald Trump's remarks on Pakistan's role in the Afghan strategy, saying the latter was laying blame of its own failures on the country.

Earlier in the day, presenting America’s new policy pertaining to the war in Afghanistan, Trump lambasted Pakistan for "harbouring agents of chaos, violence, and terror. The US, he added, could “no longer be silent about safe havens for terrorist organisations”.

"So the US again blames Pak for its deeply flawed & failed Afghan policy stretching over a decade," Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan said on Twitter.

So the US again blames Pak for its deeply flawed & failed Afghan policy stretching over a decade https://t.co/sGikXZb0ay

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) August 22, 2017

We must also reject being made scapegoats for the policy failures of the US and India. https://t.co/iDSohH1fOS

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) August 22, 2017

Imran went to add that Pakistan must turn down anymore demands by the US to "do more."

Our economy suffered over $100 billion in losses. In addition, there were intangible costs on our society. Time for Pak to say: Never again https://t.co/kngXujqRnO

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) August 22, 2017

Pakistan People's Party (PPP) co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari cautioned the US to remember that Pakistan is not Afghanistan, and hence should be treated differently. Pakistan, he added, has rendered more sacrifices than the Americans in the war on terror.

Similarly, PPP senator Sherry Rehman stressed its time "for others", and not Pakistan, to "do more".

I'm sorry, but others need to "do more " in Afghanistan, not Pakistan. Guess we were ok as long as the supply lines were needed. Moving on

— SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) August 22, 2017

Pressuring #Pakistan is Counterproductive, Senator @SherryRehman https://t.co/qo8MpCTUi8

— PPP (@MediaCellPPP) August 22, 2017

Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) leader Syed Ali Raza Abidi raised concerns on the US-India ties.

Trump is asking Pakistan to "Do More" by further strengthening its ties with India in Afghanistan. The concern for US is CEPC not terrorism.

— Syed Ali Raza Abidi (@abidifactor) August 22, 2017

Abidi urged that the relationship between the two countries should not be based on dictation.

Pakistan has done a lot for US's war on terror n will continue its resolve to eliminate terrorism with resilience, but will not be dictated.

— Syed Ali Raza Abidi (@abidifactor) August 22, 2017

PTI's Asad Umar advised the US President to not resort to old tactics of exerting pressure on Pakistan.

Trump threatening to go back to an afghan policy of troop build up & pressure on Pakistan..a policy which has failed to deliver in 16 years

— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) August 22, 2017

Other politicians also reacted strongly to the remarks:

Blaming Pak will not win the war for the US in Afghanistan nor will embracing Modi! Trump the bully shd be given a befitting response! https://t.co/15h4NHDKYN

— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) August 22, 2017

Einstein would sum up US strategy: 'trying the same thing over & over again & expecting a different result is a sign of stupidity/insanity'!

— Mushahid Hussain Sayed (@Mushahid) August 22, 2017

US is either clueless or deliberately complicating matters in Afghanistan. 2/2

— Abdul Basit (@abasitpak1) August 22, 2017

Meanwhile, Minister for Defence Khurram Dastgir Khan stressed  that the success of Zarb-e-Azb, Radd-ul-Fasaad and Khyber-4 are proof of a strong strategy against terrorism, Radio Pakistan reported.



Recognising the contributions and sacrifices of the Pakistani military, Trump said the country has been a ‘valued partner.’ “Our militaries have worked together against common enemies. The Pakistani people have suffered greatly from terrorism and extremism. We recognise those contributions and those sacrifices.”

He went on to claim, however, that the US could “no longer be silent about Pakistan’s safe havens for terrorist organisations,” warning that vital aid could be cut.

"It is time for Pakistan to demonstrate its commitment to civilisation, order, and to peace," he said, warming that vital aid could be cut. "We can no longer be silent about Pakistan’s safe havens for terrorist organisations."

An official response from the government and/or ISPR into the matter is still awaited.