WASHINGTON, JUNE 23: Two Republican senators have highlighted Pakistan’s past links with terrorism and its role in sheltering Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, amid US Vice President J D Vance’s recent remarks expressing affection for Islamabad.
Senator Rick Scott said Pakistan and Qatar have a history of “harbouring terrorists” and accused them of supporting Iran’s decades-long terror campaign instead of pursuing meaningful peace. His remarks came after Vance, speaking in Switzerland, said “we love Pakistan” while discussing diplomatic efforts involving Pakistan and Qatar.
Senator Tim Sheehy also questioned Pakistan’s role as a mediator, alleging that Islamabad, through its intelligence agency, supported insurgencies and sheltered Osama bin Laden for years. He argued that countries such as the UAE, Israel and Saudi Arabia are America’s key allies in the Middle East and should be part of any regional negotiations.
Sheehy also accused Qatar of financing terrorist organisations over the years and said Washington should stand firmly with its traditional allies in the region.
On a lighter note, Vance recently joked that his two favourite people are his Indian wife and Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, adding that he had spoken to Munir more than anyone else over the past three months.
