U.S needs to withdraw complete assistance to Pak: Former U.S. diplomat

Former U.S. Diplomat Zalmay Khalilzad said on Friday that Washington should suspend all assistance to Pakistan, until it changes its policy of 'supporting terrorism'.

"All assistance from the U.S. to Pakistan needs to be suspended including, assistance from multinational originations such as IMF, till Pakistan changes its policy on support for extremism and terror" Former US ambassador to Afghanistan and Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad told ANI.

Khalilzad also pointed out that there have been some changes in the U.S. policy towards Islamabad, in terms of reduction of assistance including the Washington's refusal to subsidies the deal of F-16 jets to Pakistan.

"Recently there have been some changes in US policy towards Pakistan in terms of reduction of assistance including the sale of F-16" said Khalilzad.

Khalilzad further said "U.S. should work with other countries to get them to cut off assistance to Pakistan and US should use its voting rights and influence an IMF not to renew support for Pakistan."

The former diplomat added that Islamabad needs to be fearful of becoming the next North Korea, implying its isolation from the world.

"Pakistan has to be threatened with prospect for becoming another North Korea and isolated from the world. That might help Pakistan reconsider its approach" said Khalilzad.

He also mentioned that there are people in Pakistan who understand that the country needs to change its policies.

Khalilzad said "There are some voices in Pakistan saying they are too isolated in the world and we need to change our policies. I hope .that Pakistan will listen to those voices."

Replying about a question on Pakistan's inaction against Hafiz Saeed and asking for more evidence for the 26/11 attacks even after India provided many evidences, Khalilzad said, "That is a mistake by Pakistan. India and US should speak and co-operate each other against terrorism."

He also appreciated the move by the U.S. to put the Indian head of Al Qaeda on the global terrorist list.

Khalilzad called upon India to play a bigger role in combating terrorism.

"As India's power grows its responsibility also grows..Its needs to play a bigger role in co-operation with the United States and others in a fight against extremism and terror," he added.