US wants to see Pakistan economically sustainable

The United States has long been critical of Pakistan’s human rights record and has placed increasing pressure on the country to change its ways. On Wednesday, US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said that the United States wants to see Pakistan economically sustainable. 

Price made the remarks during a press briefing in which he responded to a question about President Donald Trump’s recent tweet condemning Pakistan for not doing enough to fight terrorism. In his tweet, Trump said that “no more dollars to Pakistan” until it makes decisive changes. Price said that while the United States is willing to work with Pakistan on counterterrorism issues, it wants Islamabad to make significant improvements in its human rights record as well. Pakistan has been criticized by Human Rights Watch and other organizations for its poor record on human rights, including its treatment of minority groups such as the Shia Muslim community.

US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said

The United States wants to see Pakistan economically sustainable and prosperous, US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said on Thursday.

"We want to see the Pakistani people prosperous and able to live in a stable and secure environment," Price told reporters during his weekly news briefing.

Price reiterated the US position that militancy in Pakistan must be countered by "a strong and effective counterterrorism policy."

The spokesperson also said the US was keen to work with Pakistan on issues such as counter-terrorism and energy security.

Background on the US-Pakistan relationship

The United States has a long history of close ties with Pakistan, which began during the Cold War when Islamabad was an important ally against the Soviet Union. The two countries have cooperated on issues like counterterrorism and nuclear proliferation. In recent years, however, there have been strains in their relationship as Pakistan has become more involved in conflicts in Afghanistan and also faces allegations of blasphemy against its religious minority population.

US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said during a press briefing on January 15 that the US wants to see Pakistan economically sustainable and not reliant on foreign aid. He added that Washington is "working closely" with Islamabad to address these concerns. Price also praised Pakistan for its contributions to regional security, saying it has played a "vital role" in fighting terrorist organizations such as the Taliban and ISIS.

Ned Price discusses the Trump administration's stance on Pakistan

On Tuesday, April 10, spokesperson for the US State Department Ned Price spoke to reporters about the Trump administration's stance on Pakistan. Price stressed that the United States wants to see Pakistan economically sustainable and stressed that any military assistance given to Islamabad would be contingent upon these goals being met.

The spokesperson also said that the US is "appalled" by recent attacks on schools in Pakistan, and reiterated Washington's demand that Islamabad take concrete measures to address terrorism within its borders.Price stated that while there are "many areas of cooperation" between the United States and Pakistan, they have yet to see tangible progress made in curbing terrorist activity within Pakistani territory.

Ned Price's comments come after reports of a Taliban attack in Pakistan

In an interview with NPR on Wednesday, U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price said that the United States wants to see Pakistan economically sustainable, adding that the country's military has made progress against militants but more needs to be done in areas such as human rights. "The bottom line is that we want to see Pakistan economically sustainable," Price said. "We want a Pakistan that can defend itself from external threats and achieve its economic aspirations."

Price's comments come after reports of a Taliban attack in Pakistan which killed at least 13 people and wounded 30 others. The militants attacked a paramilitary checkpoint near the town of Mastung in Balochistan province on Monday evening, according to Reuters. Although no group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, Pakistani officials have blamed the Taliban for carrying out the assault.

Price said during his NPR interview that although progress has been made against militants in Pakistan, more needs to be done in terms of human rights and helping the country's civilian population. He added that the Trump administration is still monitoring developments in Pakistan very closely and will make decisions about what else needs to be done there based on what they see happening on the ground there.

Ned Price reiterates the US' desire to see Pakistan become an economically sustainable country

"The United States wants to see Pakistan become an economically sustainable country, US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said on Wednesday."

"Price's remarks came during a question and answer session with reporters following his remarks at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London. "Pakistan is one of our closest allies and we want to see it become economically sustainable," he said."

"Price stressed that the US wants to see increased civilian-military cooperation between Islamabad and Kabul."

"The goal is to help Afghanistan get back on its feet, so that it can eventually take over security responsibilities from NATO troops, Price said."