ISLAMABAD, AUG 29 (DNA) – The Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) on Tuesday lauded the response of military and political leadership over recent US threats indicative of diminishing American leverage.

Army Chief Gen. Qamar Bajwa took the lead by responding to US threats in an appropriate manner while the Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif and others also strongly disagreed to the US which was according to the aspirations of the nation, it said.

US President Donald Trump is visibly frustrated over reducing American influence around the globe and in the South Asia while it has also lost some ground in international institutions like the IMF, said Atif Ikram Sheikh, Chairman FPCCI Regional Committee on Industries.

American is no more as relevant to Pakistan as it used to be which must be realised by the White House, he said, adding that Trump’s criticised Pakistan but ignored the issue of Kashmir and terrorism in Pakistan which is the primary obstacle to peace and stability in the region.

Atif Ikram Sheikh said that Pakistan will never agree to the US directed flawed policy which has been designed to press or punish Pakistan while ignoring terrorism controlled by India and Afghanistan.

He said that with more than $50 billion in planned infrastructure projects under CPEC and strong diplomatic support from China and Russia, American threats to withdraw billions in aid are becoming less worrying for Pakistani political and military leadership.

He said that Pakistan should not be blamed for the failure of the US military in Afghanistan. The US should introduce radical changes in her policy for desired results, he said.

He said that Pakistan is not a weak country and it has not developed the nuclear weapon for display purpose only.

The government has Pakistan suspended bilateral talks and US visits which is a laudable move as it will boost country’s image, he said.=DNA

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