WASHINGTON, May 8: No country has caught more members of Al Qaeda or lost more soldiers and policemen in the fight against the group than Pakistan, the United States said on Monday, dispelling the impression that Washington was not satisfied with Islamabad’s role in the war against terror.
Last week, US Ambassador in charge of Counter-terrorism Henry Crumpton was quoted as saying that Pakistan needed to do more to curb terrorism.
A State Department official said it’s important to “look at Ambassador Crumpton’s remarks in their entirety” as he was also quoted in the media as lauding Pakistan’s role for arresting ‘hundreds and hundreds’ of Al Qaeda figures.
“Ambassador Crumpton offered a detailed, balanced and appreciative assessment of Pakistani security operations in the tribal areas,” Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Richard Boucher told Dawn. “We know that Pakistan is a fully committed partner in the war on terror. We appreciate the dedication of and the sacrifices by Pakistani forces.”
When asked if the US thought Pakistanis were doing enough in the war against terror, Mr Boucher said: “All countries can always do more in the fight against terrorism.”
Another State Department official said Ambassador Crumpton also had noted the many challenges facing Pakistan as it waged a struggle against violent extremists. “He also conveyed his respect and admiration for Pakistan’s achievements and the sacrifices it has incurred combating terrorism.”
“As Ambassador Crumpton pointed out, no country has caught more members of Al Qaeda or lost more soldiers and police in its struggle with Al Qaeda than Pakistan,” said the official.
“The US, with our partners in Pakistan and Afghanistan, will continue to pursue our counter-terrorism objectives until our common enemy has been defeated and peace and stability are restored,” he said.
He said Al Qaeda also recognised the threat Pakistan posed to it and had declared the government of the country one of its main enemies, “calling for its overthrow and continues to attempt to destabilise Pakistan.”
Asked if the US believed Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden was hiding on the Pakistani side of the Afghan border as Ambassador Crumpton had indicated, the official said: ”We don’t know exactly where bin Laden is but we continue our search for him in close cooperation with our partners.”
