US tells Pakistan that their bilateral ties would depend upon Islamabad's actions against terror groups

The US has told the new government in Pakistan that the nature and quality of their bilateral relationship would depend on actions taken by Islamabad against terrorist groups operating from its soil. This message was delivered by the Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to the new leadership of Pakistan during his recent visit to Islamabad, a senior Trump administration official said. 

Alice Wells, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, said US believes that decisive and sustained steps are necessary to provide the appropriate incentive to convince the Taliban to go to the



negotiating table.

The US and others have long complained that Pakistan provides a safe haven to militant networks, allowing them to carry out cross-border attacks in Afghanistan. President Donald Trump has previously accused Pakistan of deceiving the US while receiving billions of dollars. 

In January, the US government announced it is cutting almost all security aid to the country.

Responding to a question, Ms Wells said in general the US supports a dialogue between India and Pakistan that can reduce tensions.