Pakistan should get rid of US aid: CM Sharif

After U.S. President Donald Trump targeted Pakistan with the new Afghanistan strategy, Pakistan responded strongly to the decision. Punjab’s Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s office made significant statements after the Trump administration accused Pakistan of providing a safe haven for terrorist groups.

Sharif on Friday via his Twitter account stated that it is time for Pakistan to get rid of U.S. aid for bilateral relations on the basis of mutual respect. He wrote: “It is time for Pakistan to politely and gratefully close the chapter on U.S. assistance so that bilateral relationship can be freed from the shadow of contemptuous taunts of the venerable office of the President of U.S.”

Noting that Pakistan has always supported to advance the shared objectives as a member of the international community, Sharif tweeted:

“Pakistani people crave the opportunity to be treated fairly, honorably and justly and remain committed to contributing to the world peace and prosperity. Pakistan has never shied away from advancing our shared objectives as a member of international community.”

He stated that the aid only further hurt the people’s self respect; that it put salt on the wounds of the Pakistanis, and that it should be terminated: “It has been my firm belief and an article of faith that we can only rise from poverty and indignity through tireless efforts and by getting rid of aid which injures our self-respect. We have to learn to rely on ourselves and the ability of our people to change their fate!”