NSC rejects allegations levelled against Pakistan by US

ISLAMABAD: A meeting of the country’s top security body discussed the recent review of US policy for the Pak-Afghan region and strongly rejected certain allegations leveled against the country, said a statement released.

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi chaired the meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) — his second since assuming office.

The statement added that Pakistan has an interest in Afghanistan’s peace and stability and the country has dealt with the Afghan refugee problem after the withdrawal of Russia.

Referring to India, the statement further said that India cannot be solely responsible for peace in the region.

The top security body also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the safety of nuclear assets and said that Pakistan is a responsible nuclear power.

The attendees of the meeting agreed that Pakistan has also dealt with an influx of drugs and arms following the war. 

It was also decided during the meeting to contact other friendly countries and take all stake holders into confidence regarding Pakistan’s reservations over the new US policy, Geo News reported.  

Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif also gave a detailed briefing, with sources reporting that Pakistan's reply to the new US policy has been drafted. 

The foreign minister also said his visit to the US has not been scheduled yet and will travel in a day or two after the new Afghan policy has been reviewed. 

Policy matters related to the war on terror were discussed along with measures taken to improve border security mechanisms along the Pak-Afghan border. 

The attendees of the meeting were also briefed on the ongoing military operations on the Pak-Afghan border as well as the internal security situation of the country and the situation along the Line of Control in Kashmir. 

The meeting was attended by senior civil and military officials, including the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff committee, services chiefs, ministers of defence, interior, foreign affairs and finance.

Inter-Services Intelligence Director General Lt Gen Naveed Mukhtar and National Security Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Nasser Janjua were also in attendance. 

Moreover, the weekly press briefing of the Foreign Office was postponed until tomorrow.

Abbasi's first NSC meeting was held on August 16 and focused on Indian atrocities in occupied Kashmir, unprovoked cross-border firing and killings after Independence Day celebrations were held in the occupied valley.

Abbasi on Wednesday had dashed to Saudi Arabia for a day-long visit following Trump’s policy speech, and held a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman. 

Trump announced his strategy for the region on Tuesday, harshly criticising Pakistan for providing a safe haven to "agents of chaos". Trump cleared the way for the deployment of thousands more US troops to Afghanistan, backtracking from his promise to rapidly end America's longest war, while pillorying ally Pakistan.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Wednesday, US Ambassador to Pakistan David Hale called on Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the GHQ.

Ambassador Hale said the US values Pakistan's role in the war against terror and is seeking cooperation from Pakistan to resolve the Afghan issue.

Laying emphasis that peace in Afghanistan was important for Pakistan as for any other country, the army chief said Pakistan has done a lot towards that end and shall keep on doing its best; not to appease anyone but in line with Pakistan's national interest and national policy.

Gen Bajwa said Pakistan is not looking for any material or financial assistance from the United States but rather trust, understanding and acknowledgment of its contributions.