Srinagar: Pakistan Army has warned the US against ‘unilateral action’, saying that despite its desire for cooperation on Afghanistan, there could be no compromise on national respect and sovereignty, DawnNews reported.
“The armed forces are working with friends and want to continue doing so, but there can be no compromise on our national honour. We do not want a conflict with our friends, but will ensure the security of Pakistan,” DawnNews quoted Military spokesperson Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor having told a media briefing, recalling that the country was being threatened with “unilateral action” by the US.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) chief spoke in both English and Urdu, in what appeared to be an effort to convey the institutional sentiment to an international audience.
This is perhaps the strongest-ever reaction from Islamabad since US functionaries and statements recently began alluding to the possibility of unilateral action, amidst an ongoing row over alleged terrorist sanctuaries.
Earlier this month, CIA Director Mike Pompeo warned the US would do everything it could to ensure the elimination of “terrorist safe havens” in Pakistan.
Meanwhile, a Pentagon report on Afghanistan, released alongside Pompeo’s statement, said the US could take “unilateral steps in areas of divergence”. The warnings were accentuated further when, during his trip to Afghanistan last week, Vice President Mike Pence said President Trump had put Pakistan on notice.
The military spokesperson maintained that the nation would have to stand united in the face of possible unilateral action, saying such challenges could only be tackled through unity.
“Let it be known to all misadventure seekers and probably naïve thinkers that notwithstanding any temporary domestic differences, when it comes to security of our beloved Pakistan, we are all one,” he maintained.
Maj Gen Ghafoor said the “unfounded” US and Afghan narrative had lately acquired a “threatening” tone.
