US says Pakistan 'was not a technical ally'

The White House clarified that Pakistan is not a formal ally, but acknowledged cooperation on combating terrorism.

Listen to article

The White House on Wednesday acknowledged the historical cooperation between Pakistan and the US in combating terrorism, but said that there existed no "alliance or treaty" between the two countries as Islamabad was never "a technical ally" of Washington.

John Kirby, White House National Security Communications Adviser, told a press briefing in Washington that the President Joe Biden administration remained committed to working with Pakistan to address the threats emanating from terrorism.

"Well, first, I'd – as you know, Pakistan was never a technical ally of the United States. I mean, there was no treaty of alliance with Pakistan," Kirby said, while responding to a question about Biden administration's actions regarding Pakistan.

However, he acknowledged the bilateral cooperation in combating terrorism. "But certainly, over many, many years in the last couple of decades, we partnered with Pakistan as appropriate to deal with the terrorist threat that still exists on that spine between Afghanistan and Pakistan," he said.

Kirby also addressed the ongoing security concerns, stating, "We recognise that Pakistan is still – still the Pakistani people fall victim to terrorist violence coming from across that border. We recognise that." He said that the Biden administration was committed to working with Pakistan to address these common threats.

"We have and for as long as we'll be in office here remain committed to working with Pakistan to address those common threats and challenges. And that's not – that hasn't changed. It's not going to change," he added.