US says Pakistan should take action against militants on home soil

Washington puts more rhetorical pressure on old ally to fight terrorism

Pakistan can contribute to regional stability by acting against militants on its soil who seek to attack its neighbours, the United States has said.

The US has frequently asked Pakistan to act against terrorist leaders like Lashkar-e-Taiba’s Hafiz Saeed (AP FILE)

“We believe that Pakistan can directly contribute to regional stability by acting against militants on its soil who seek to attack its neighbours,” State Department Spokesman John Kirby told reporters yesterday at his daily news conference.

The State Department extended support to the government of Pakistan at a time when cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan has threatened to hold mass protests in the country.

“We support the democratically elected Government of Pakistan. We also support the peaceful right of protest. But this is an internal matter for the Pakistani Government and Pakistani authorities to speak to,” he said in response to a question.