US stands by its statement asking Pakistan to act against terrorists, amid Islamabad's denial
The United States on Friday said that it 'stood by' its statement where they had mentioned that conversation between US Secretary Mike Pompeo and Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan had sought 'decisive action' against terrorists operating from Pakistan; news agency ANI reported.
Heather Nauhert, spokesperson for the United States Department of State said: "Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and the new Pakistan PM had a good call, Pakistan is an important partner. We stand by our readout."
The statement by the US followed Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mohammad Faisal's statement denying any mention about terrorist operating from Pakistan during the Pompeo-Khan conversation.
Pakistan today asked the United States to "correct" a readout issued by State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert in which she said Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had asked Pakistan to take "decisive action" against all terrorists operating in Pakistan.
Mohammad Faisal said that "Pakistan takes exception to the factually incorrect statement issued by US 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 said
Faisal said Pompeo had congratulated newly-elected PM Imran Khan while discussing issues of interest but there was no mention of "terrorists operating in Pakistan".
Pakistan's latest pushback comes as reports said Secretary of State Mike Pompeo may visit Islamabad in September to meet PM Imran Khan and discuss a range of issues including Afghanistan. US and Pakistan relations have been at a historic low this year with President Trump continuously attacking the Pakistan government over its record on terrorism.
The US Congress too has kept the pressure on Pakistan slashing its defence aid to $150 million from a high of $1 billion.
Soon after taking over, PM Imran Khan had said he wants a balanced relation between Pakistan and America which should be mutually beneficial, not one-sided.