Bill to declare Pak 'sponsor of terror' won't be successful: US senator

Karachi: United States Senator John McCain has assured Pakistan's former president Asif Ali Zardari that the bill to designate Islamabad as a state sponsor for terrorism will not be successful.

McCain is said to have pointed out that the bill had been moved by a small minority in Congress and would not garner support, reports the Express Tribune.

During telephonic conversation with Zardari on Friday, both the leaders also discussed bilateral and international issues.

While the former president insisting that Pakistan is a victim of terrorism itself and will never support it, McCain reportedly acknowledged the sacrifices made by Pakistan in its fight against terrorism.

The duo also agreed that it is in the interest of peace and stability that Pakistan continues to play its part in the fight against the global threat of terrorism.

Zardari said that his country Pakistan wants to resolve the Kashmir issue through dialogue.

Earlier, two American lawmakers introduced legislation in the US Congress aimed at designating Pakistan as a state sponsor of terrorism.

The bill was moved by Congressman Ted Poe from Texas, who is the chairman of the House Subcommittee on Terrorism, and Congressman Dana Rohrabacher.

Poe in the statement also pointed out that Islamabad has also aided and abetted enemies of the United States for years.

"Not only is Pakistan an untrustworthy ally, Islamabad has also aided and abetted enemies of the United States for years. From harboring Osama bin Laden to its cozy 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," Poe said in a statement while announcing the bill.

He said that the bill will require the administration to formally answer this question and the President must issue a report within 90 days of passage detailing whether or not Pakistan has provided support for international terrorism.