LONDON Sept 18 (TNS): Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has said that a reported US move to downgrade its relations with Pakistan will devalue Islamabad’s efforts to fight terrorism.
The prime minister stated this in an interview with The Financial Times before flying to New York from London to attend the 72nd session of UN General Assembly.
Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said US risks undermining its military efforts in Afghanistan, encouraging terrorism and harming its own trade interests if it follows through on a threat to downgrade its relationship with Pakistan.
Commenting on a recent FT’s report that the Trump administration is considering stripping Pakistan of its status as an ally, he said the US co-operation is vital for Pakistan’s counter-terrorism operations.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to combat terrorism, the Prime Minister said he found America’s Pakistan policy is confusing but our message is very clear and we are committed to fighting terrorism.
Meanwhile, talking to the newsmen in London, the prime minister said that Pakistan wanted collaborative efforts to fight against terrorism.
He said the National Security Committee had responded to the statement of US President Donald Trump and the very policy is being pursued by the government.
He ruled out the impression of any political crisis in the country, saying that challenges continued to confront which were supposed to be countered.
