Pakistan sets new rules of engagement with US after annoying Trump's accusations

NewsBharati    29-Sep-2017
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Islamabad, September 29: Pakistan has decided to frame new rules of engagement with Washington, after POTUS Trump had accused the Muslim nation of harbouring and supporting terrorists.

"No US delegation would be entertained without mutual agreement and strict protocol will be maintained with US delegations according to their official status," the Pakistan Foreign Office stated.

“On the one hand, you literally humiliate us and undermine our sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, and at the same time, you expect us to entertain US delegations that too at the time of their choosing. This will not work anymore, strict protocol will be followed,” Pakistan media quoted an official as saying.

The official said strict protocols would now be followed in bilateral visits. No US delegation would be entertained without mutual agreement. Also, the government is looking to restore the protocol under which US delegations would be dealt with according to their official status.

That means low-ranked US officials would not be given audience with senior Pakistani authorities. In the past, officials such as the assistant secretary of state used to meet the president and the prime minister.

The departure from usual protocol began during former military ruler Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf’s tenure during which low-ranked American officials used to frequently meet senior authorities.

Earlier, Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja has said that the international community should stop blaming Pak for the existence of the Haqqani Network and other militant outfits.

"These were the people who were your darlings just 20 to 30 years back. They were being dined and wined in the White House and now you say 'go to hell Pakistanis because you are nurturing these people'," he added.