The United States' security assistance to Pakistan has been suspended, according to the Pentagon
The United States' security assistance to Pakistan has been suspended, according to the Pentagon
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According to the Pentagon, the status of US security assistance to Pakistan, which was suspended by the previous Trump administration, has not changed since US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Monday and US National Security Advisor Jek Sullivan met with his Pakistani counterpart in Geneva.

“The United States’ security assistance to Pakistan is currently on hold. I’m not going to speculate on whether or not that will change in the near future.” During a press conference, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby stated.

He was responding to a question about whether the new Biden administration has reviewed the previous Trump administration’s policy in this area and made any changes, or if this issue was discussed with the Pakistani leadership during talks.

Former US President Donald Trump halted all security assistance to Pakistan in January 2018, citing his dissatisfaction with the country’s cooperation and role in the fight against terrorism.

Austin spoke with Pakistani General Bajwa earlier in the day, according to Kirby, to discuss shared regional interests and objectives.

“During the call, the secretary expressed his appreciation for Pakistan’s support for the Afghan peace talks, as well as his desire to continue to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the US and Pakistan,” he said.

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In a tweet, Austin said, “I reiterated my appreciation for the US-Pakistan relationship and my desire to continue working together to further regional security and stability.”

Sullivan had met with Moeed Yusuf, his Pakistani counterpart, in Geneva the day before.

“Both parties discussed a range of bilateral, regional, and global issues of mutual concern, as well as ways to improve practical cooperation. They chose to continue their conversation.” The National Security Council’s spokesperson, Emily Horne, confirmed this.