We don’t need security aid at the cost of national dignity: DG ISPR

Asif Ghafoor says suspension of US assistance will not deter Pakistan's resolve to fight terror

Pakistan never fought for money but for peace, Pakistan Army spokesperson Major General Asif Ghafoor said on Friday as the United States suspended at least $900 million in security assistance to Pakistan.

"Suspension of US assistance will impact bilateral security cooperation and regional peace efforts but will not deter our resolve to fight terrorism," DG Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major Gen Asif Ghafoor told Voice of America (VOA).

"Pakistan Army has indiscriminately targeted terrorists including Haqqanis," he said. "We have paid a heavy price, both in blood and treasure."



The DG said that there were no organised terrorist sanctuaries inside Pakistan. "Casting doubt on our will is not good to our common objective of moving towards enduring peace and stability," he said.

Pakistan, he maintained, shall continue its sincere efforts in best interest of Pakistan and peace.

In a Twitter post on the first day of 2018, US President Donald Trump had accused Pakistan of ‘lying and deceit’ and providing safe havens to terrorists despite taking over $33 billion in aid.

He had also accused the country of providing safe havens to terrorists, a charge Pakistan strongly denies.

After the statement, Pakistan had called a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC), which expressed ‘disappointment’ over the statement, but said the country would not act in haste.

Meanwhile, former State Department official Shamila Chaudhry said the security assistance to Pakistan directly paid for sales of US military equipment.

https://twitter.com/ShamilaCh/status/949031408605040641