Pakistan expressed disappointment with the 2019 Annual Country Report of the US State Department on Terrorism, saying it is self-contradictory and selective in characterizing Pakistan’s efforts to counter-terrorism and terrorist financing, report media sources.
In a statement, Foreign Office spokeswoman Aisha Farooqui said while the Report acknowledges that Al Qaeda has been seriously degraded in the region, it neglects to mention the crucial role of Pakistan in demolishing Al Qaeda, thereby reducing the threat that the terrorist group once posed to the world.
She said the report recognizes the drastic decline in the frequency of terrorist attacks in Pakistan. It neglects, however, to clarify that this was possible only because Pakistan’s resolute counter-terrorism operations targeted individuals and organizations without prejudice.
The spokesperson said Pakistan is completely aware of its sovereign-state obligations.
She said we would reject any insinuations regarding any safe haven. Pakistan will not allow any entity or group to exploit its territory against any country.
On the contrary, she said, it is Pakistan, like the TTP, ISIS-K and others, that is facing the threat of terrorism from externally based and foreign-sponsored groups. Once again the Report is either silent or vague about the origins and locations of these terror groups.
The spokesperson said Pakistan remains committed to fulfilling its obligations to all approved entities and individuals under the UNSC 1267 sanctions regime for the freezing of assets and denying funds and economic capital.
She said Pakistan is also continuing to implement the FATF Action Plan, and has undertaken extensive and systemic reforms for that purpose.
She said the report fails to consider the full extent of Pakistan ‘s support for the Afghan peace process, which has provided a historic opportunity for the country to experience stability.
She said Pakistan’s positive contribution to and facilitation of direct US-Taliban talks culminating in the February 29, 2020 Peace Agreement is widely recognized, including by the U.S. and its leadership.
