Pompeo's Call to Pakistan's Newly-Elected PM Triggers ControversyTop Stories

August 24, 2018 10:35
Pompeo's Call to Pakistan's Newly-Elected PM Triggers Controversy

(Image source from: Business Standard)

Between the United States and Pakistan, a fresh row has erupted over terrorism pursuing a telephone call by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to newly-elected Prime Minister Imran Khan, as Islamabad took exception to the American version of the conversation.

Pompeo on Thursday spoke to Khan for the first time after the cricketer-turned-politician assumed office earlier this week and sought "decisive action" against all terrorists operating in Pakistan, the U.S. State Department said. With Pakistan's overt and covert assistance to Afghan Taliban and other Taliban groups,the U.S. has long been frustrated consequently forcing the Trump administration to warn Islamabad and slash military assistance to the country.

State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said on Thursday in a statement that Pompeo, in his talks with Khan, discussed the issue of terrorism and Pakistan's vital role in promoting the peace process in war-torn Afghanistan. "Secretary Michael R Pompeo spoke today with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and wished him success. Secretary Pompeo expressed his willingness to work with the new government towards a productive bilateral relationship," she said in the statement.

Soon after Nauert's statement, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal said that "Pakistan takes exception to the factually incorrect statement issued by the U.S. State Department on today's phone call between Prime Minister Khan and Secretary Pompeo".

"There was no mention at all in the conversation about terrorists operating in Pakistan. This should be immediately corrected," Faisal tweeted. Nauert today said Pompeo's telephonic discussion with Khan was good and the U.S. stands by its earlier statement.

"In the readout, the secretary notes that he spoke with the new prime minister and expressed his willingness to work with the new government toward a productive bilateral relationship. They had a good call," she said. "That may surprise some of you, but they had a good call. Pakistan is an important partner to the United States. We hope to forge a good, productive working relationship with the new civilian government," she said.

She went on to say that based on her understanding, "the beginning of the call or the call itself was a good call and a good discussion toward our working with the new government and the new administration". When asked again by a reporter if the U.S. government continues to stand by the readout, she said: "We stand by our readout."

According to Pakistani media reports this week, Pompeo is likely to visit Islamabad in the first week of September to hold negotiations with newly-elected Prime Minister Khan. Pompeo, who is expected in Islamabad on September 5, would be the first foreign dignitary to meet Khan, Dawn reported, quoting the diplomatic and official sources.

Khan has been critical of the U.S. drone strikes against Pakistani terrorists as well as along the country's border with Afghanistan.

In his victory speech earlier this month, Khan said he wants a balanced relation between Pakistan and America which should be mutually beneficial, not one-sided.

By Sowmya Sangam

If you enjoyed this Post, Sign up for Newsletter

(And get daily dose of political, entertainment news straight to your inbox)

Rate This Article
(0 votes)