Ali Sarwar Naqvi (Former Ambassador): 

The statement issued by US State Department is totally contrary to reality.  Our Foreign Office has strongly negated the State Department's opinion. The telephonic call was made by US State Secretary Mike Pompeo just to congratulate newly elected Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan and to express him best wishes for the future. Our Foreign Minister must raise this controversy to Mike Pompeo during his visit to Pakistan that is expected on 5th of the next month. There is trust deficit among the two countries and it will take time towards normalization. I am hopeful that the current government will wisely manage its relations with United States as better Pakistan-US relations are vital for regional peace and stability.

Dr. A.Z. Hilali (IR Expert): 

As far as the geographical and political importance of Pakistan in the region is concerned, no country can deny geo-strategic importance of Pakistan, which acts the role of bridge between East and West. No decision can be taken without taking Pakistan into confidence. Trump Administration itself is not clear that in which direction it has to move. We are the victims of new U.S policy towards South Asian region. The United States needs to realize that the support of Pakistan is vital for every activity in the region. Pakistan has already paid a huge price for U.S coalition in terms of finance and precious lives in war against terror. The United States wants to give India a major role to play in Afghanistan that is not acceptable to Pakistan as India is already is involved in efforts to destabilize Pakistan. It is the time that America must acknowledge and weigh the national interests of Pakistan. The strong cooperation between Pakistan and United States is vital for regional peace and stability.

Brigadier, retired, Tipu Sultan (Defense Analyst): 

It is unfortunate that United States is unilaterally taking decisions against Pakistan and imposing sanctions on it time to time. The United States is supporting India that is involved in financing terrorists to promote terrorism in our country. Pakistan has always a clear stance that there is no military solution to prevailing Afghan situation whereas U.S chooses the option of military solution there. Only negotiated settlement of Afghan conflict can promote peace in the war torn country. Over 60% of the Afghan land is not under the control of Afghan government. The current situation in Afghanistan is that now the United States has agreed to initiate a dialogue process with Taliban. The new government from the day one is pursuing the effective foreign policies. I am hopeful that the current government will definitely make efforts to further strengthen its relations with the United States.

Lt Gen, retired, Raza Muhammad Khan (Defense Analyst): 

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is known for his controversial statements that has affected the Pak-US relations in the past. It was Mike Pompeo IMF bailout for Pakistan's new government should not provide. In FATF proceedings, United States has a vital role. All the member countries used tactics of listing Pakistan in Grey list in order to pressurize it. Pakistan has already done enough in the fight against terrorism and utilized all available resources in this regard. International community should acknowledge Pakistan’s efforts in the fight against terrorism. It is the time for the world to Do More now. The visit of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to Pakistan is expected in next month, which will help normalize estrange relations between the two countries. His meetings with foreign minister and other high officials of Pakistan will definitely give a new direction to Pak-US relations.

Dr. Amna Mehmood (IR Expert): 

In my opinion the visit of Mike Pompeo to Pakistan is a positive development as it could melt ice on the relations between two countries. The purpose of the controversial statement could be that the US Administration would want to analyze the reaction of the new government in response. The United States is frustrated as Pakistan has become the permanent member of effective regional organization SCO. Moreover, it has managed to improve its defense and bilateral relations with Russia and China and Trump Administration see these achievements as a threat to its sovereignty in the region.