US wants clarification whether Pak a 'Friend or Foe'

Senior US lawmakers have called for a joint committee hearing on Tuesday, titled "Pakistan: friend or foe in the fight against terrorism".

The hearing held jointly by the House Subcommittees on Terrorism, Non-proliferation and Trade and Asia and the Pacific, will debate the alleged 'double game' of Pakistan and once again ask if it is Washington's friend or enemy.

The meeting would determine how the United States further wants to deal with Pakistan, an old ally that many in the Congress no longer trust, reports the Dawn.

Republican lawmaker and Congressman Ted Poe, who has brazenly displayed his dislike for Pakistan, is chairman of one of the subcommittees.

"This hearing will give members the opportunity to learn more about Pakistan's longstanding ties to terrorist groups and allow for a more informed reassessment of US foreign policy priorities vis-a-vis Islamabad," said Poe while explaining why he had called the hearing.

Former US ambassador to Afghanistan and the United Nations Zalmay Khalilzad, Senior Editor Bill Roggio of Long War Journal and Assistant Professor Tricia Bacon of American University are the three witnesses for the hearing, who have been asked to explain Pakistan and its policies to the lawmakers.

In a recent statement, Khalilzad had urged the United States to adopt a policy of total isolation against Islamabad and turn it into a "second North Korea" to force it to cooperate for peace in Afghanistan.

"The United States has spent tens of billions of taxpayer dollars in aid to Pakistan since 9/11. Now, 15 years later, Pakistan's military and intel services are still linked to terrorist organisations and little success has been made to stabilise the region," said Subcommittee Head on Asia and Pacific Matt Salmon.

"We must take a closer look at US goals, expectations and our aid spending in the region. In this hearing, we will discuss the administration's failed policy towards Pakistan and debate the best way forward," he said.