US President Donald Trump had tough words for Pakistan, as he attempted to steer a new approach on Afghanistan.

“We can no longer be silent about Pakistan’s safe havens for terrorist organizations,” he said in a speech at Fort Myer in Arlington, Virginia.

Trump accused Pakistan of “housing the very terrorists that we are fighting,” and threatened to cut financial aid if the country doesn’t do more to stop the flow of militants.

“We can no longer be silent about Pakistan’s safe havens for terrorist organizations, the Taliban, and other groups that pose a threat to the region and beyond,” the Republican president said.
“Pakistan has much to gain from partnering with our effort in Afghanistan. It has much to lose by continuing to harbor criminals and terrorists.”

In the strongest accusation coming from a US President, he forthrightly accused Pakistan of giving “safe haven to agents of chaos, violence and terror”. “We will also expand authority for American armed forces to target the terrorist and criminal networks that sow violence and chaos throughout Afghanistan,” he said.
The US president appreciated Pakistan’s efforts against terrorism. He said people of Pakistan have faced a lot of difficulties in war against terrorism and extremism.

He said elimination of terrorism from the world is the first priority of US government. He also urged India to help in war against terrorism.
Trump also said the United States wanted India to help more with Afghanistan, especially in the areas of economic assistance and development.
He made clear his patience had limits in support of the Afghanistan government, saying Kabul needed to increase its cooperation in order to justify a continued American commitment.

Trump said it could be possible to have a political settlement with elements of the Taliban. “But nobody knows if or when that will ever happen,” he said.

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