Pakistan urges US to do more against TTP

FO says HC will return to New Delhi after consultations

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday expressed satisfaction over the US action against terrorists hiding inside Afghanistan -- including head of outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Mullah Fazlullah -- but said more needs to be done.

“It is a matter of satisfaction that the US is taking actions against the terrorists hiding inside Afghanistan, including Fazlullah, who have committed acts of terrorism across Pakistan. More needs to be done,” Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr Muhammad Faisal said at the weekly news briefing.

On its part, he said Pakistan was committed to support efforts for bringing peace in Afghanistan.

At the same time, the spokesperson once again denied that Pakistan was providing sanctuary to any militant groups inside its territory.

“Our perspective is that Pakistan has cleared the entire border region and there is no organised presence of terrorists within our territory,” the spokesperson said.



He, however, admitted that considering the porous nature of the border and the presence of over two million Afghan refugees, Pakistan had continued Intelligence-Based Operations to deal with the remnants.

“We have been carrying out IBOs very successfully, as and when required. We have also repeatedly requested the US government to share intelligence for us to take definitive action on our side,” he said.

The spokesperson further said the Afghan government and the Resolute Support Mission need to “do more” within Afghanistan to eliminate all safe havens and terrorist sanctuaries.

On the recent meeting between Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and US Vice President Mike Pence, the spokesperson said such contacts were important to build ‘trust and cooperation’ and to strengthen bilateral relations.



“The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on bilateral relations, the regional situation and Afghanistan and is part of regular interactions between the two countries,” he added.

Pakistan-India ties

The spokesperson said Pakistan’s high commissioner was returning to New Delhi after consultations for some days.

“He also called on the prime minister. His presence here was useful and many important issues in addition to the harassment of officials in New Delhi were discussed.”



On Indian charges of its diplomats being harassed in Islamabad, Faisal said, “Pakistan is a responsible member of the international community and we make all possible efforts to ensure the safety and security of the diplomats stationed in Islamabad.”

“India has not shared any evidence with us about their complaints. On the other hand, Pakistan is seriously concerned over the treatment being meted out to the diplomats, officials and families, including small children, at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi,” he added.

He said Pakistan lodged strong protests with the Indian government over those unfortunate incidents of harassment and intimidation, evidence of which was widely available on social media.

“We have also stressed that safety and security of the diplomats, officials and their families is the sole responsibility of the Government of India, under the Vienna Convention.”