First time holding Pakistan accountable: White House

WASHINGTON: United States President Donald Trump is not satisfied with the progress made by Pakistan in its fight against terrorism, the White House said here on Friday.

"We have seen modest progress in terms of Pakistan's actual acknowledgment of these concerns, but the President is not satisfied with progress when it comes to Pakistan," White House deputy press secretary Raj Shah told reporters during a press conference.

He added, "I know that we have restored some clarity in our relationship with Pakistan. For the first time we are holding Pakistan accountable for its actions." Answering a question about the progress made so far after Trump's South Asia policy, Raj Shah said that the U.S. was working closely with its partners in Afghanistan. "We have made significant progress against ISIS, reducing their presence and eliminating hundreds of fighters. We have eliminated their top leaders, and we are working relentlessly to target their leadership and bases wherever they emerge," he said.

After the policy was announced, the U.S. officials told Islamabad to consider it as an opportunity to do more and take action against militant outfits who cross borders and attack international forces in Afghanistan. Pakistan refuted providing any sanctuaries to terrorist groups, and resultantly since then the bilateral relationship between Pakistan and Washington has not been smooth.

"We have been paying Pakistan billions and billions of dollars at the same time they are housing the very terrorists that we are fighting. But that will have to change, and that will change immediately. No partnership can survive a county's harboring of militants and terrorists who target U.S. service members and officials. It is time for Pakistan to demonstrate its commitment to civilization, order and to peace," the president said in his policy speech.

The Trump administration halted security assistance to Pakistan last month. Although, the State department and the Pentagon have repeatedly said that the aid could be unblocked if Islamabad takes out the Haqqani network and help bring the Taliban to negotiating table.