USA stands by its statement, says Imran Khan told to take ‘decisive action’ against terrorists

The bilateral relationship between Pakistan and the United States of America has hit a new barrier. The U.S under the new administration has time and time again raised the issue of growing terrorist activities within the territory of Pakistan and forced the Pakistani administration to take notice and carry out measures to curb terrorism.

In the most recent of such occurrences, the U.S secretary of state Pompeo spoke on the phone with the newly sworn-in prime minister of Pakistan Imran Khan. The U.S released a statement which asserted that Washington sought ‘decisive action’ against terrorists operating from Pakistan.

“Secretary Michael R. Pompeo spoke today with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and wished him success. Secretary Pompeo raised the importance of Pakistan taking decisive action against all terrorists operating in Pakistan and its vital role in promoting the Afghan peace process,” the statement read.

The spokesperson of Pakistani Ministry of Foreign affairs, Dr Mohammed Faisal subsequently dismissed the U.S statement. Faisal stated Pakistan takes exception to the ‘factually’ incorrect statement issued the U.S. he furthered in his tweet on Thursday, the 23rd of August that there was no mention of terrorists at all in the conversation between Prime Minister Khan and Secretary Pompeo.

Heather Nauret, who issued the statement, however, today reiterated that Pompeo had indeed raised Islamabad’s importance of taking ‘decisive’ action against terrorist groups operating in Pakistan, and added that the U.S stands by its earlier readout.