ISLAMABAD, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan on Thursday said it is disappointed with a latest U.S. report on terrorism which claims "Pakistan continued to serve as a safe haven for certain regionally focused terrorist groups," rejecting it as "self-contradictory."
The Foreign Ministry of Pakistan said "we are disappointed" with the U.S. State Department's Country Reports on Terrorism 2019 "which is self-contradictory and selective in its characterization of Pakistan's efforts for countering terrorism and terrorist financing."
"Pakistan is fully aware of its responsibilities as a sovereign state. We reject any insinuation about any safe haven. Pakistan will not allow any group or entity to use its territory against any country," a foreign ministry statement said.
The statement pointed out that while the report has recognized that al-Qaeda group has been seriously degraded in the region, it neglected to mention Pakistan's crucial role in decimating al-Qaeda, thereby diminishing the threat that the terrorist group once posed to the world.
The statement said the report has acknowledged the sharp decrease in the incidence of terrorist attacks in Pakistan. "However, it neglects to explain that this was only possible because Pakistan's resolute counter-terrorism operations have targeted proscribed groups and outfits without discrimination."
The Foreign Ministry of Pakistan reminded the United States that it is Pakistan that faces the threat of terrorism from externally based and foreign sponsored groups.
The statement said the report has also failed to acknowledge the full extent of Pakistan's support for the Afghan peace process, which has created a historic opportunity for lasting peace in the region.
"Pakistan's positive contribution and facilitation of U.S.-Taliban direct talks culminating in the Peace Agreement of February 29, 2020 are widely acknowledged, including by the U.S. and its leadership," the statement said.
Pakistan hopes that future U.S. reports will fully acknowledge the entire spectrum of Pakistan's counter-terrorism efforts and present a fair and correct perspective of this global threat, according to the statement. Enditem
