ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi chaired a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) on Tuesday, with the forum stating that Pakistan has fought against terror with unflinching resolve and action was taken against all militant organisations.
The high-level huddle of the country’s civilian and military leadership came after US President Donald Trump’s tweet and threat to cut Pakistan’s aid.
“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,” Trump said in the early-morning New Year’s Day tweet.
“They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!”
The committee further stated that the country is unflinching in its resolve for establishing peace in Pakistan.
Sources said it was also decided during the NSC meeting to summon a parliamentary meeting to discuss the anti-Pakistan statement by Trump and take the parliamentary leaders into confidence over Pakistan’s response.
The top civilian and military leadership of the country attended the meeting.
According to reports, the NSC meeting was briefed by Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, while the Director General Military Operations also briefed on the efforts taken in the fight against terrorism.
On Monday, Pakistan’s Foreign Office summoned US Ambassador David Hale to record a protest over President Trump’s tweet.
Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif, in a reply to the US president’s tweet, said Pakistan will let the world know the truth and will be responding to Trump’s tweet. He added that there is a difference between facts and fiction.
The foreign minister, following the tweet by Trump, called on Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, sources informed Geo News. The meeting held a detailed review of Trump’s statement, sources added, besides discussing the country’s foreign policy.
