Pak says committed to eliminate terrorism

Washington: Pakistan on Wednesday said it has an "unwavering commitment" to eliminate terrorism from its soil, a day after Islamabad was slammed by top American lawmakers and experts for allegedly playing a double game when it comes to war against terrorism.

"We need not remind the skeptics that no country has suffered more from terrorism than Pakistan. Pakistan?s resolve to fight back the menace of terrorism is, therefore, second to none," Nadeem Hotiana, spokesman of the Embassy of Pakistan here, said in a statement.

"The extra-ordinary success of operation Zarb-e-Azb is a testimony to Pakistan's unwavering commitment to eliminate terrorism from the Pakistani soil," he said.

Earlier, US lawmakers during a Congressional hearing called for cutting financial aid to Pakistan and experts sought looking into the possibility of putting it in the list of State Sponsor of Terrorism.

"Pakistan and the US are long time partners and allies in their shared goal of defeating terrorism. Positive CT (counter-terrorism) cooperation between the two countries has been widely acknowledged by the leadership of the two countries," Hotiana said.

In the October 2015 Joint Statement, President Barack Obama affirmed Pakistan's role as a key counter-terrorism partner and recognised the sacrifices that its civilians, military and law enforcement personnel have made over the years as they confront terrorism and militants, he asserted.

"Both leaders also renewed their common resolve to promote peace and stability throughout the region and to counter all forms of extremism and terrorism," he said.

"Chairman Armed Services Committee, Senator John McCain, after a recent visit to Pakistan and seeing first hand the results of military operations in North Waziristan, said 'he was impressed by the progress on ground'," Hotiana added.