Haqqani network neither Pakistan's friend nor proxy: Aizaz Chaudhry

WASHINGTON: Pakistan's ambassador to the United States Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry stated that the Haqqani network is neither Pakistan's friend nor proxy.

"We don't want it (Haqqani network) to act against the US or Afghanistan," the ambassador said.

Speaking to foreign media, Chaudhry said that the delay by India in negotiations with Pakistan encourages terrorists.

In response to a question about Hafiz Saeed's detention, the ambassador said: "We don't want anyone from Pakistan to take a negative message abroad."

"Our message is very clear. We want a peaceful and friendly relationship with India based on mutual respect," he said.

Earlier on March 9, a US Congressman Ted Poe, known for his dislike for Pakistan, introduced a strongly worded bill in the US Congress to declare “untrustworthy ally” Pakistan a “state sponsor of terrorism”, media reports said.

“Not only is Pakistan an untrustworthy ally, Islamabad has also aided and abetted enemies of the United States for years,” said Poe, who is the Chair of the House Subcommittee on terrorism.

“From harbouring Osama bin Laden to its cosy relationship with the Haqqani network, there is more than enough evidence to determine whose side Pakistan is on in the war on terror. And it’s not America’s. It is about time we stop paying Pakistan for its betrayal and designate it for what it is: a State Sponsor of Terrorism,” Poe said while introducing the bill, the Pakistan State Sponsor of Terrorism Act of 2015, in Congress on March 9.

The bill requires the US president to issue a report within 90 days, answering whether Pakistan has provided support for international terrorism. Thirty days after, the secretary of state is required to submit a follow-up report, which will either declare Pakistan as a state sponsor of terrorism or provide a detailed justification as to why it does not meet the legal criteria for such a designation.