US President Donald Trump said on Friday he shares a “very, very well” relationship with Pakistan and praised its leadership, even as tensions between Islamabad and Kabul escalated into what Pakistan has described as “open war.”
Speaking to reporters when asked whether he would intervene in the conflict, Trump said he would consider it but emphasised his ties with Pakistan.
“I would (intervene). But I get along with Pakistan very well. They have a great Prime Minister, a great general. They have a great leader. Two of the people that I really respect a lot. Pakistan is doing terrifically well,” Trump said.
The US State Department also signalled support for Islamabad. Allison M Hooker, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, said she spoke with Pakistan Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch to express condolences for lives lost in the recent fighting. “We continue to monitor the situation closely and expressed support for Pakistan’s right to defend itself against Taliban attacks,” Hooker said.
Meanwhile, the US Embassy and Consulates in Pakistan have also issued a security advisory for American citizens following heightened tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan. In the advisory, the US Mission said Pakistani security forces have increased their presence in major cities in response to potential terrorist threats.
“Law enforcement facilities, military installations, and major commercial centres remain likely targets for terrorist organisations,” the advisory stated. US citizens were urged to exercise caution when visiting such locations, particularly during peak hours.
Trump's comments come as cross-border hostilities between the two neighbours intensify. Pakistan declared “open war” after carrying out airstrikes in Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia, marking the first time it has directly targeted Taliban-controlled cities over allegations of harbouring terrorists. Casualty figures from both sides could not be independently verified. Pakistan said 12 of its soldiers were killed, while Afghanistan said 13 Taliban fighters died. Both sides reported far higher enemy casualties.
Despite the escalation, Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers said they were ready to negotiate. “The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has always tried to resolve issues through dialogue,” Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said.
Qatar, which helped mediate previous clashes, is again working to ease tensions, as fears grow that the conflict could spiral along the 2,600-km frontier.
In New York, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was "deeply concerned by the escalation of violence" between Afghanistan and Pakistan and the impact that is having on civilian populations, his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told a news briefing.
"He calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities, and he reiterates his call on the parties to resolve any differences through diplomacy," Dujarric said.
Source: India Today