US tells Pakistan to take 'decisive action' against militant groups that are threats to region

Washington: The Trump administration said Wednesday it was necessary that Islamabad take “decisive action” against militant groups based in Pakistan, after the National Assembly unanimously condemned US President Donald Trump’s “hostile and threatening” statements against the country. “We value our cooperation with Pakistan and want to see it continue,” a State Department spokesperson told PTI. [caption id=“attachment_2971672” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Representational image. Reuters[/caption] But, the spokesperson added, Trump has been clear that “we are looking to the Pakistani government to take decisive action against militant groups based in Pakistan that are a threat to the region.” “It is vital to US interests that Pakistan prevent terrorist sanctuaries,” the spokesperson said. The comments came as the National Assembly passed a resolution opposing Trump’s move to give more space to India in Afghanistan in his new strategy for the war-torn country. The National Assembly also condemned Trump’s “hostile and threatening” statements against Pakistan. Since Trump called out Pakistan when he outlined the new strategy for South Asian on 21 August, Pakistan-US ties have headed south. Pakistan, which has accused the US of making unjustified allegations against it, has cancelled at least three senior level meetings with Trump administration officials. The State Department, however, said Pakistan has much to gain from partnering with their efforts in the region. “As Secretary (of State Rex) Tillerson said, ‘We are ready to work with [the Pakistanis] to help them protect themselves against these terrorist organisations’,” the spokesperson said.