Islamabad, July 12: Defence minister Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar today said that Pakistan would pull back troops from its western borders with Afghanistan in response to the suspension of military aid worth $800 million by the US.

The defence minister’s statement comes a day after the Pakistan Army said it was capable of carrying out successful military operations without the assistance of the US.

“Part of this aid specifically goes to troops serving in this troubled region. At the same time, this move will sabotage efforts against the Taliban and al Qaida in the region,” he said in an interview with the Express 24/7 TV channel. He said Pakistan could not afford to keep its military out in the mountains or in the border areas for a long period of time.