WASHINGTON – Less than two months after pillorying Pakistan for allegedly sheltering terrorists, US President Donald Trump on Saturday came forward expressing gratitude for cooperating with American on many fronts.
He took to Twitter days after Pakistani security forces recovered a Canadian-American couple and their three children from Taliban’s captivity.
He signaled that relationship with Pakistan and its leaders is getting much better.
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/919003314674634752
In August, Trump unveiled his strategy for South Asia — especially Afghanistan — in which he accused Pakistan to “agents of chaos, violence, and terror” .
https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/headline/trump-ratchets-up-pressure-on-pakistan-vows-not-to-quit-afghanistan/
He said, “We can no longer be silent about Pakistan’s safe havens for terrorist organizations, the Taliban, and other groups that pose a threat to the region and beyond,” adding, “Pakistan has much to gain from partnering with our effort in Afghanistan.
“We have been paying Pakistan billions and billions of dollars at the same time [when] they are housing the very terrorists that we are fighting,” he said, warning that the vital aid the US offers to the country could be cut.
“That will have to change and that will change immediately.”
In response, Pakistan’s civil and military leadership refused the allegations and took a hard stance in this regard. The political and military leaders also said Pakistan is more dependent on the US.
In a statement ISPR DG Major General Asif Ghafoor said on Trump’s claims: “Even if it comes… Pakistan shall do whatever is best in the national interest.”
The deteriorated relations started mending after US vice president and PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi held a meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly session in New York where both high ups agreed to restore ties through negotiations.
Later, Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif visited the US and held important meetings with State secretary and other officials and presented Pakistan’s stance.
Recovery of American-Canadian Family
Apparently, a development that proved a milestone in repairing the relation is safe recovery of a an American-Canadian family, who had been held captive since 2012 by the Taliban-affiliated Haqqani network.
https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/headline/pakistan-honours-americas-wishes-trump-hails-captives-recovery/
Caitlan Coleman, 32, was seven months pregnant when she and her husband, Josh Boyle, were abducted.
“Today they are free. This is a positive moment for our country’s relationship with Pakistan,” President Donald Trump said in a statement Thursday. “The Pakistani government’s cooperation is a sign that it is honouring America’s wishes for it to do more to provide security in the region.”
