WASHINGTON: The United States cannot be silent about the ability of various terrorist groups to use Pakistani soil for posing threats to others in the region, the State Department said on Tuesday.

The statement came hours after Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua summoned US Chargé d’Affaires Paul Jones to register a strong protest against the “unwarranted and unsubstantiated allegations” President Donald Trump made against Pakistan over the last two days.

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In two tweets released on Monday, President Trump said he had suspended US security assistance to Pakistan because it was “doing nothing for us”.

He also quoted two examples of Pakistan’s non-cooperation, saying: “Osama bin Laden being a prime example, Afghanistan being another.”

“As the president has said, we cannot be silent about the ability of the Taliban and terrorist organisations to use Pakistan’s soil in a way that poses a threat to the region and beyond,” said a State Department spokesman when asked how this renewed tension could impact US-Pakistan relations.

“We welcome any actions Pakistan takes to advance security, stability and cooperation in South Asia, and are committed to work with the Pakistani government in this regard,” the spokesman said.

“Pakistan has much to gain from partnering with our effort to bring about an Afghan-led peace settlement in Afghanistan.”

Published in Dawn, November 21st, 2018