The United States on Friday expressed hope that Pakistan will be a partner in safeguarding the region and would "do more" to uphold regional peace in South Asia. The statement was passed by Assistant to the Secretary of Defence for Public Affairs Dana White during the regular briefing held at the Pentagon. Referring to the security situation in Afghanistan, White said Pakistan had been a victim of terrorism and alleged that the Pakistan and Afghanistan have also "sponsored terrorism".
The US claim has been refuted multiple times by the country's top military and civil hierarchy. Pakistan, over the years, has carried out comprehensive counter-insurgency operations in the tribal areas, once a hotbed for militancy, and has been successful in restoring the writ of the state and eliminating terrorist safe havens on Pakistani soil. The Pentagon spokesman further said that Pakistan can do more with respect to the security of Afghanistan.
When asked regarding former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's statements regarding the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, White said it is an "inflection point" for the country. She reiterated that the US expects more from Pakistan and hopes it will play a major role in maintaining peace.