Pakistan has expressed disappointed over being refused $300 million in US aid money.
Islamabad:
After America blocked 300 million dollars in aid to Pakistan for failing to act against terrorists, Islamabad today said it was "disappointed" by the developments which had "put a strain on its ties with Washington."
In a statement Pakistan Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhary said that Islamabad "lamented that despite indiscriminate action against all terrorist groups, including the Haqqani network, the US administration had decided to not certify the concerted and forceful measures taken by Pakistan." He also reiterated the resolve of the Pakistani leadership to not allow anyone to use Pakistan's soil against any country.
The Haqqani network - a guerrilla insurgent group - has carried out a number of kidnappings and attack against US interests in Afghanistan. The group is also blamed for several deadly attacks against Indian interest in Afghanistan including the 2008 bombing of the Indian mission in Kabul that killed 58 people.
Mr Chaudhary expressed his concerns over the halt to military aid to US President Barack Obama's special envoy Peter Lavoy. Earlier US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter had denied a Congressional certificate to Pakistan for satisfactory action against the Haqqani network this year.
In the absence of the certification, the Pentagon blocked the release of 300 million dollars in military aid to Pakistan under Coalition Support Fund, which is essentially reimbursement money for the expenses made by Pakistan Army in support of US operations in Afghanistan.
The Pakistan visit of Lavoy, who is also Senior Director for South Asia at the US National Security Council, is part of the regular high-level exchanges between the US and Pakistan. During the meeting Mr Lavoy "noted" that the US recognised the efforts and sacrifices made by Pakistan and its armed forces in the fight against terrorism.
In a statement Pakistan Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhary said that Islamabad "lamented that despite indiscriminate action against all terrorist groups, including the Haqqani network, the US administration had decided to not certify the concerted and forceful measures taken by Pakistan." He also reiterated the resolve of the Pakistani leadership to not allow anyone to use Pakistan's soil against any country.
The Haqqani network - a guerrilla insurgent group - has carried out a number of kidnappings and attack against US interests in Afghanistan. The group is also blamed for several deadly attacks against Indian interest in Afghanistan including the 2008 bombing of the Indian mission in Kabul that killed 58 people.
Mr Chaudhary expressed his concerns over the halt to military aid to US President Barack Obama's special envoy Peter Lavoy. Earlier US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter had denied a Congressional certificate to Pakistan for satisfactory action against the Haqqani network this year.
In the absence of the certification, the Pentagon blocked the release of 300 million dollars in military aid to Pakistan under Coalition Support Fund, which is essentially reimbursement money for the expenses made by Pakistan Army in support of US operations in Afghanistan.
The Pakistan visit of Lavoy, who is also Senior Director for South Asia at the US National Security Council, is part of the regular high-level exchanges between the US and Pakistan. During the meeting Mr Lavoy "noted" that the US recognised the efforts and sacrifices made by Pakistan and its armed forces in the fight against terrorism.
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