Daily Times

LAHORE: Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif on Tuesday challenged the US president Donald Trump’s claim that America had given to Pakistan over $33 billion in aid over the past 15 years and suggested verification of the claim through an independent audit.

Asif offered that Trump could hire a US-based audit firm “on our expense” to verify the $33b aid figure and “let the world know who is lying and deceiving”.

Asif said this after Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi chaired a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC).

According to a press release issued by the PM’s Media Wing after the NSC meeting, the committee noted its deep disappointment with some of the recent statements articulated by the American leadership.

“The committee reaffirmed that Pakistanis are a people who hold dear their national pride, who are capable of defending their country, and who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to counter terrorism and to work for regional peace and stability.”

“The committee reached a consensus that despite all unwarranted allegations Pakistan cannot act in haste and will remain committed to playing a constructive role towards an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process, not just for the sake of its own people, but also for the peace and security of the region and international community.”