'UN chief ready to assist Pakistan if help sought to dismantle

The UN Secretary-General is ready to engage with Pakistan to help it dismantle terror sanctuaries if sought, his chief spokesperson has said after US President Donald Trump warned Islamabad for providing safe havens for terrorists.

"As a matter of principle, Secretary-General's good offices are always available to any two parties who, who ask.

But that is just a statement of principle," UN chief's spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.

Dujarric was asked if the good offices of the Secretary- General Antonio Guterres will be offered to help facilitate diplomatic with Pakistan on dismantling the sanctuaries for terrorists.

Commenting on Trump's speech, Dujarric said the Secretary General's hope is that the international community "will help come together and help Afghanistan find a political solution that will bring peace to the country.

"And that's also obviously through the support and efforts of the UN, of the UN Mission there," he said.

Dujarric added that while the good offices of the Secretary General are available if asked for, the UN's focus is on "finding a political solution to the current crisis in Afghanistan" and help the Afghan people who have suffered so much for decades.

Trump had slammed Pakistan for its continued support to terrorist groups and warned Islamabad of consequences if it continues to do so.

(This article has not been edited by DNA's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)