Islamabad:The United States has exerted pressure on Afghanistan’s interim government to ensure it guarantees no terrorist attacks originate from Afghan soil.
During a routine news briefing in Washington, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that the U.S. stands alongside Pakistan’s people and government to address regional security challenges. He emphasized that Pakistani civilians have suffered greatly at the hands of extremists and terrorists.
Miller affirmed that America has strongly urged the Taliban to ensure Afghan territory is not used for terrorist attacks. Responding to a question, the U.S. State Department spokesperson underscored the close partnership between the United States and Pakistan, collaborating on several critical issues including economic improvements.
He highlighted previous discussions on Pakistan’s importance in IMF programs and reforms, stating that such dialogues will continue in the future. Meanwhile, the Pentagon, through its spokesperson General Patrick Ryder, expressed condolences over the loss of military personnel in recent terrorist attacks in Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan.
General Ryder conveyed sympathy to the families and stressed that Pakistan faces a significant challenge in combating terrorism. He noted that both the U.S. and Pakistan have historically collaborated on efforts to eradicate terrorism and will continue discussions on this matter.
Regarding queries about supplying advanced U.S. weaponry to Pakistan, the spokesperson clarified that there were no announcements on this matter, but reiterated the strong security cooperation between the two countries.
It is noteworthy that last week, separate terrorist attacks in Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan resulted in the martyrdom of 10 military personnel and 5 civilians. Among the civilians martyred were 2 lady health workers, 2 children, and a security guard.
