The U.S. has suspended its $255-million military aid to Pakistan for now, the White House has confirmed, saying the fate of such assistance will depend on Islamabad's response to terrorism on its soil.
The confirmation comes on the same day when U.S. President Donald Trump accused Pakistan of giving nothing to the U.S. but “lies and deceit” and providing “safe haven” to terrorists in return for $33 billion aid over the last 15 years.
“The U.S. does not plan to spend the $255 million in financial year 2016 in Foreign Military Financing for Pakistan at this time,” a senior administration official told PTI requesting anonymity.
Watch: U.S. President Trump Issues Stern Warning To Pakistan
“The president has made clear the U.S. expects Pakistan to take decisive action against terrorists and militants on its soil, and that Pakistan's actions in support of the South Asia Strategy will ultimately determine the trajectory of our relationship, including future security assistance,” he said.
The U.S. administration continues to review Pakistan's level of cooperation, the official said.
Earlier in the day, U.S. President Donald Trump, in his first tweet of the New Year, blasted the Pakistan leadership by saying that they have given America "nothing but lies and deceit" despite having received more than $33 billion in last 15 years.
The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!
Trump's statement clearly indicates that Pakistan would no longer receive any security aid from the U.S. till the time it sees a change in behaviour from them in fight against terrorism.Within hours, the Pakistani Defence Ministry fired back alleging that it has got "nothing but invective and mistrust" for all the actions it took in support of America's war against terrorism.
“Pakistan as anti-terror ally has given free to U.S.: land & air communication, military bases & intel cooperation that decimated Al-Qaeda over last 16yrs, but they have given us nothing but invective & mistrust. They overlook cross-border safe havens of terrorists who murder Pakistanis," the Pakistan Defence Ministry said in a tweet.
Trump who returned to the White House from Mar-a-Lago in Florida where he spent his Christmas and New Year vacation did not respond to shouted questions from reporters on “what is your plan on Pakistan?”
Several U.S. lawmakers came out in support of Trump adopting a tough approach on Pakistan.
"I support the decision today by President Trump to end aid to Pakistan," Republican Congressman Markwayne Mullin from Oklahoma said.
You're either with the U.S., or against us. We will always help our friends, but for too long, the U.S. has propped up countries that do not share our goal to end terrorism. I'm proud to see our president take bold steps to put America first.Markwayne Mullin, Republican Congressman, Oklahoma“I couldn't agree more,” tweeted Senator Rand Paul from Kentucky.
I couldn't agree more. I've been fighting to end aid to Pakistan for years and will again lead the charge in the Senate. Let's make this happen @realDonaldTrump https://t.co/v4KrOrWOyS https://t.co/JNNChCfVqP
Samantha Vinograd, CNN's national security analyst, spoke in favour of Trump's move.
“As a way to make it clear to the Pakistanis that enough is enough, if President Trump actually follows through, it could be an effective move,” she said in an opinion piece published on the CNN website.
“It isn't the only step by any means, but it could be the right one,” she said.
“Great start. Why give millions to countries who would harbor our enemies?” Trump's son Donald Trump Jr tweeted yesterday.
Also Read: Pakistan Has Given U.S. Nothing But Lies And Deceit, Tweets Trump
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