The petition to declare Pakistan a state sponsor of terrorism by the Indian-American community in USA has received more than 212,000 signatures, making it qualified for the Obama Administration to respond within 60 days amid the deterioration in the ties between India and Pakistan.

The petition has cited H.R. 6069, the legislation moved by Ted Poe and Dana Rohrabacher in House of Representatives to declare Pakistan a state sponsor of terrorism.

During the daily press briefing, US State Department official spokesperson Mark Toner, answering on the question on the petition said, “That’s a very specific process and determination that involves a legal process and assessment.”

Sign The Petition: Petition To Declare Pakistan, State Sponsor of Terrorism

Interestingly, US, earlier was saying that declaring Pakistan a state sponsor of terrorism is not on the card right now but considering Toner’s statement it seems that the US government is thinking about it.

He said, “The US is focusing right now is to enhance their capability, to deal with a terrorist threat on their soil.”

Toner also said that US wants the de-escalation of political discourse between India and Pakistan.

He said that US have been very clear that Pakistan will need to take action against the terrorists in their soil and the terrorist who are attacking their neighbors from their soil.

He said, “We've been very clear that they need to target all militant groups, including those that target Pakistan's neighbors, and close all safe havens.We want to see Pakistan better able to respond to the threat that terrorism poses both domestically for Pakistan but also the fact that there are terrorist groups on - that seek refuge or asylum or shelter in Pakistan's territory.”

By Prajakt K