Nisar demands audit of US aid to Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Former interior minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan says Pakistan must contest the United States claims on Pakistan with facts, rational reasoning and seriousness without compromising on its dignity.

Sharing his opinion during his address in the National Assembly on foreign policy, estranged Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) leader Nisar said no compromise could be made on Pakistan’s integrity. “If you keep on scaring, the opponent will make the most out of it, he added.

“We must conduct audit of US aid given to Pakistan in last ten years,” he demanded.

The ex-interior minister said US’s policy in Afghanistan didn’t fail due to Pakistan, but because of its own reasons.

About allegations of US President Donald Trump, he said the accusations should be taken very seriously.

He said the Parliament’s role was not just confined to making speeches, rather its function is to lead and guide masses.

He suggested that a joint session of the Parliament be convened to discuss the US statement about Pakistan.

Nisar suggested the speaker National Assembly and the Senate to write letters to their respective counterparts in the US and apprise them of Pakistan’s apprehensions.

The PML-N leader said the US president must furnish proofs if he had any.

He regretted that US allegations were coming at a time when there were no terrorist havens inside Pakistan.

In his recent speech, Trump indicated that single-minded approach would extend to US relations with Pakistan, which consecutive US administrations have criticized for links with the Taliban and for harboring leading militants.

“We can no longer be silent about Pakistan’s safe havens for terrorist organizations,” he said warning that vital aid could be cut.

“We have been paying Pakistan billions and billions of dollars at the same time they are housing the very terrorists that we are fighting,” he said. “That will have to change and that will change immediately.”

Ahead of the speech Pakistan’s military brushed off speculation that Trump could signal a stronger line against Islamabad, insisting the country has done all it can to tackle militancy.