White House official John Kirby has clarified on Wednesday that Pakistan was never a technical or tactical ally of the United States, emphasing that no treaty of alliance existed between the two countries.
During a press briefing in Washington, Kirby responded to a question about the Biden administration’s actions regarding Pakistan’s appeal over rising cross-border terrorism.
He noted, “Well, first, I’d – as you know, Pakistan was never a technical ally of the United States. I mean, there was no treaty of alliance with Pakistan.”
However, Kirby acknowledged the historical cooperation between the two nations in combating terrorism.
“But certainly, over many, many years in the last couple of decades, we partnered with Pakistan as appropriate to deal with the terrorist threat that still exists on that spine between Afghanistan and Pakistan,” he added.
Kirby also addressed the ongoing security concerns, stating, “We recognise that Pakistan is still – still the Pakistani people fall victim to terrorist violence coming from across that border. We recognize that.”
He reassured that the Biden administration remains committed to working with Pakistan to address these common threats, emphasising, “We have and for as long as we’ll be in office here remain committed to working with Pakistan to address those common threats and challenges. And that’s not – that hasn’t changed. It’s not going to change.”
