Trump unlikely to push back against Pak: US Congressman

In reference to Donald Trump's conversation with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, an influential US Congressman has said that the President-elect is unlikely to push back against Pakistan after he takes office.

"I don't think anybody should have any doubt that Donald Trump will push back against Pakistan. He's been very clear about that," Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger, a veteran in Iraq and Afghanistan wars, told CNN in an interview.

"In this case, you have a statement from a transcript that maybe was or wasn't said that I don't think necessarily shows how Donald Trump will be when he comes to being the President of the United States on these very important issues," he said when asked about his phone call with Sharif.

According to the Pakistan PMO, Trump called Sharif "a terrific guy" and said he is ready and "willing to play any role that you (Sharif) might want me to play".

"Trump has been criticised by many foreign policy analysts in the US. I think it's a little over the line to tell somebody. I will play whatever role you want me to play.

"Obviously, as the United States, we're proud of the fact that we're the leader of the free world. We're proud of these alliances we have, but we're also in the driver's seat in most of these alliances," Kinzinger said.

"We need to be because of our values and systems. So, I think if that actually was said, and again, I don't have anything besides what I have just seen reported. If that was actually said, it was probably a bridge too far," he said.

He also stressed that Donald Trump is really new at this. "And I think as you kind of get your sea legs under you, as you learn about diplomacy and everything, maybe that changes. Maybe that tone changes," Kinzinger said in response to a question.