Pakistan has curbed terror, US certifies; India reacts strongly

MEA spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said Pakistan had not shown 'sustained commitment' to dismantle 'bases of operations' of the LeT, Jaish-e-Muhammad, Haqqani network and al-Qaeda.

India reacted sharply on Monday to the US certification of Pakistan’s steps to counter terrorism, saying Islamabad has shown no “sustained commitment” to dismantling terror infrastructure or ceasing support to groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and al-Qaeda.

The ministry of external affairs (MEA) further accused Pakistan-based terror groups of stepping up activities in Afghanistan and posing a threat to the international community and Indian diplomats.

In a terse reaction, MEA spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said Pakistan had not shown "sustained commitment" or made "significant effort" to dismantle "bases of operations" of the LeT, Jaish-e-Muhammad, Haqqani network and al-Qaeda.

Increased sightings of “Punjabi/Urdu speaking elements operating with terrorist groups inside Afghanistan” showed these groups pose a threat to the international community working in Afghanistan, including Indian diplomats in Kabul and four Consulates, he said.

Akbaruddin added how the US government decides to spend its taxpayers’ money is “entirely its prerogative”.

The certification is a condition for the US to disburse aid to Pakistan under the Kerry-Lugar-Bergman Act.

This year's grant of $532 million to Pakistan will be disbursed shortly, as the Congress gave its nod to President Obama, US ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson had disclosed.

The certification came ahead of visit by foreign secretary of state John Kerry to Islamabad later this month.

Significantly, Kerry will also travel to India ahead of US President Barack Obama's visit to attend Republic Day celebrations as chief guest. Kerry is scheduled to attend Vibrant Gujarat summit to be held in Gandhinagar from January 11.

(With PTI inputs)