Pakistan will continue to face a freeze in US security assistance as it is yet to take "definitive action" against militant groups like the Taliban and the Haqqani network, a senior US commander has said. The US withdrew about USD two billion in security assistance to Pakistan, accusing Islamabad of harbouring terror groups. Votel said the US has started to see an increase in communication, information sharing and actions on the ground in response to specific US requests. "This problem is compounded by increased cross-border terrorist attacks and fires between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which hinders both countries abilities to coordinate on border security," Votel said. "Achieving long-term stability in Afghanistan and defeating the insurgency will be difficult without Pakistan's support and assistance," he said.

Source: dna February 28, 2018 08:31 UTC