Pakistan says "disappointed" by US report citing inadequate anti-terrorism measures

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday expressed disappointment over the findings of a report by the US State Department detailing Islamabad’s counter-terrorism efforts, which it said “overlooks the sacrifices” made by the country.
Released on November 1, the Country Reports on Terrorism 2018 stated that “regionally-focused terrorist groups remained a threat in 2018.” The report also said that “Pakistan-based” Lashkar-e-Tayyiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed “maintained the capability and intent to attack Indian and Afghan targets.”
Pakistan Foreign Office rejected the report stating it “completely overlooks the factual situation on the ground and the tremendous contribution made and sacrifices rendered by Pakistan over the last two decades in the international struggle against terrorism.”
“These efforts have not only resulted in the elimination of Al-Qaeda from this region, but have also made the world a safer place,” the foreign office added.
The official statement issued by Islamabad said that Pakistan was committed to taking concrete actions as part of its National Action Plan while ensuring it continues to implement obligations under the United Nations Security Council’s sanctions regime of 1267, by freezing assets and denying funds and economic resources to all designated entities and individuals.
“Pakistan did not take sufficient action against externally-focused groups such as Lashkar e-Tayyiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), which continued to operate, train, organize, and fundraise in Pakistan,” excerpts from the State Department’ report said – a claim rejected by Islamabad.
Pakistan argued that the report fails to mention that terrorist groups such as the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Jamaat-ul-Ahrar (JuA) and Daesh Khorasan Province continue to operate and conduct terrorist activities against Pakistan from across the border.
The FO said that Pakistan has also played an important role in facilitating direct peace talks between the US and the Taliban.
“Pakistan’s positive contribution in this regard has been widely acknowledged, including by the United States and its leadership. Any insinuation to the contrary is unwarranted and is inconsistent with the positive trajectory of the bilateral relations,” the statement reads.
“We have always stressed that counter-terrorism efforts can be effectively advanced through constructive engagement. We hope Pakistan’s commitment, contributions and sacrifices would be fully recognized and appreciated in the right perspective,” the foreign office said.