WASHINGTON: National Security Advisor (NSA) Moeed Yusuf has warned that the ‘instability’ in Afghanistan may lead to “more terrorism, refugees and economic hardship for Pakistan”.
“Afghan instability could lead to more terrorism, refugees and economic hardship for Pakistan,” Yusuf was quoted by The Washington Post columnist Josh Rogin in the article “Pakistan wants to be treated like an ally, not a scapegoat”.
Rogin urged Washington to seriously consider “Pakistan’s offer of cooperation” and slammed American media on the coverage of Islamabad’s alleged support to the Taliban.
“Right now, in the situation we are in, how are US and Pakistan’s interests not aligned?” wondered Yusuf.
“I’m not asking for any sympathy for Pakistan,” the NSA said. “I’m thinking in terms of pure US selfish national interests. How does it help to push away a country of this size, stature and power?” he asked. The Pakistani NSA reminded the columnist that Pakistan is a victim of the US war on terror that began after 9/11. “Pakistan is the victim. We had nothing to do with 9/11. We teamed up with the US to fight back and after that there is a major backlash on Pakistan,” Yusuf said. The NSA shared with Rogin that Pakistan was letting “all that pass”, and urged that Islamabad and Washington need to work out on moving forward as partners as neither side can work without the other to stabilise the region. —agencies
