FM eats own words on TTP’s Chitral incursion

Interim FM confirms demarche issued to Kabul on cross-border attack

ISLAMABAD:

Interim Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani on Saturday confirmed that Pakistan lodged a strong protest with the Afghan government over the recent cross-border attack in Chitral, urging Kabul not to allow its soil for such terrorist incidents.

Jilani, who was addressing a news conference after the meeting of the apex committee or the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), told the media that the Afghan chargé d'affaires was summoned to the Foreign Office on Friday following the Chitral attack.

Interestingly, a day earlier the foreign minister apparently exonerated the Afghan Taliban of their role when he termed the Chitral attack an "isolated incident" and noted that it was not "sanctioned" by the Afghan Taliban government.

His remarks were in contrast to the statement issued by the ISPR, which suggested the attack was originated from Afghanistan.

At least 12 terrorists were killed and four Pakistani soldiers embraced martyrdom when around 150 militants launched a cross-border attack on Wednesday.

Pakistani security forces, as per the ISPR, foiled the attack. It was said that timely intelligence helped security forces minimise the damage.

Foreign Minister Jilani said the Afghan government must not allow its soil to be used by banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan or any other group.

He said Pakistan was in contact with the interim Afghan government on the issue.

Meanwhile, Jilani said Pakistan was pursuing a pro-active diplomacy and its relations with other countries are improving. The Foreign Minister said the SIFC meeting was briefed about Pakistan's the foreign policy.

He said Pakistan's relations with China were very strong and ties with the United States were witnessing a positive trajectory.

Jilani said that Pakistan also enjoys good relations with Saudi Arabia, Middle East, GCC, South Asian and Central Asian countries.

Terming Africa an important region, Jilani said the ‘Look Africa Policy’ has been formulated and added “our relations with the African countries will be further enhanced”. He said the ties with European countries also hold significance and trade with the EU will be promoted.

The foreign minister said “steps are being taken to solve the problems of international investors”. Jilani said long-term visas will be provided to the investors.