Time for Pakistan to ‘take action’ against terror safe heavens, says US Secy Rex Tillerson

The United States’ policy toward Islamabad will be based on whether they take necessary action in creating an opportunity for reconciliation and peace in Afghanistan, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said.

Tillerson, who arrived in Afghanistan on Monday to discuss US strategy asked Pakistan to stop supporting Taliban and other terror groups.

“We have made some very specific requests of Pakistan in order for them to take action to undermine the support the Taliban receives and other terrorist organizations receive,” he said.

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Tillerson is scheduled to visit Pakistan before coming to India on Tuesday. Ahead of his meeting with Pak Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, He said, “Pak needs to take a clear view of the situation they are confronted with in terms of no. of terror organisation that finds safe haven inside the country.”

The US Secretary of State praised India for taking up several developmental projects in Afghanistan for the betterment of war-hit country’s people.

“They (India) already are providing important economic activity, creating jobs, which is important for future Afghanistan,” he said.

Tillerson said the US believes India can play “very important” positive role in the process to achieve peaceful and stable Afghanistan.