Pakistan seeks sustained US support in battle against terrorism

Pakistan has asked the United States for its sustained support in the battle against terrorism following reports that Washington may withhold military assistance over Islamabad's reluctance to uproot the Haqqani Network.

According to the Express Tribune, Pakistan's Defence Secretary Lt-Gen (Retd.) Muhammad Alam Khattak told a top US general visiting Islamabad that they resolved to fight till the end of the "menace of extremism" and that they would want their allies to support the country in its efforts.

Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement that

General Lloyd Austin during the meeting with General Raheel Sharif acknowledged the Pakistan Army's sacrifices and efforts in the war against terrorism.

Sources said the Army Chief discussed the issue of Coalition Support Fund (CSF), which Washington had threatened to withhold over Pakistan's 'lack of decisive action' against the Haqqani Network.