ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has expressed disappointment over the assertions made by the US Department of State’s Country Report on terrorism 2018, concerning its counter terrorism efforts.    

In a statement Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr Muhammad Faisal said the report completely overlooked the factual situation on the ground and the tremendous contribution made and sacrifices rendered by Pakistan over the last two decades in the international struggle against terrorism. He said the efforts had not only resulted in the elimination of Al-Qaeda from this region, but had also made the world a safer place.

The spokesperson said Pakistan was committed to take concrete actions under its National Action Plan. He pointed out that Pakistan had taken extensive legal and administrative measures for implementation of its obligations under the UNSC 1267 sanctions regime for the freezing of assets and denial of funds and economic resources to all designated entities and individuals. He said Pakistan was continuing actions to fully implement the FATF Action Plan.

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As noted in the report, Pakistan faces the threat of terrorism from a number of groups including TTP, Jamaat-ul-Ahrar and Islamic State in Khorasan Province. The spokesperson however said the report, however, failed to mention that those groups continued to operate and conduct terrorist activities against Pakistan from across the border.

Dr Muhammad Faisal said Pakistan had facilitated US and Taliban direct talks in the context of the Afghan peace and reconciliation process in good faith.

“Pakistan’s positive contribution in this regard has been widely acknowledged, including by the United States and its leadership. Any insinuation to the contrary is unwarranted and is inconsistent with the positive trajectory of the bilateral relations,” he said.

The spokesperson said Pakistan had always stressed that counter-terrorism efforts could be effectively advanced through constructive engagement. He said we hope Pakistan’s commitment, contributions and sacrifices would be fully recognized and appreciated in the right perspective.