Pak has repeatedly proven itself to be deceitful: US lawmaker

Washington, Oct 21: Asserting that Pakistan has repeatedly proven itself to be "deceptive and deceitful", a top American lawmaker, who heads a Congressional subcommittee on terrorism and non-proliferation, has urged the US President not to ink any kind of civil nuclear deal with Islamabad.

"Simply put, Pakistan's current and past record is disqualifying for any consideration by the US to support civilian nuclear cooperation with Pakistan bilaterally or in any relevant multilateral forum," Congressman Ted Poe said yesterday in a letter to Obama.

Poe, who is Chairman of the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Non-proliferation and Trade, in his letter urged Obama to not engage in any negotiations regarding a US-Pak civilian nuclear agreement.

"Pakistan has repeatedly proven itself to be deceptive and deceitful," he alleged. "Not only does this country continue to harbor terrorist groups that attack US troops and interests in Afghanistan, they have yet to come clean about previous nuclear dealings with countries like Iran," he charged.

"I've long called for an end to military aid to this nation that just takes our money and uses it against our interests. Supporting a civilian nuclear agreement with Pakistan - a Benedict Arnold ally of the US – while the Pakistani government continues to demonstrate it cannot be trusted would be irresponsible and dangerous," Poe said.

In his letter Poe expressed strong concern about reports that the US is engaged in policy discussions, and possible bilateral negotiations, with Pakistan related to its nuclear program which may include US support for a US-Pakistan civilian nuclear agreement, relaxation of Nuclear Suppliers Group export controls and possibly also NSG membership.

PTI