PM asks Kabul to choose between TTP and Pakistan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday urged the Afghan government to take action against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), warning that the outlawed group's cross-border terrorist activities in Pakistan are unacceptable and represent a red line for Islamabad.

Chairing a federal cabinet meeting, Shehbaz urged the interim Afghan government to formulate a "solid strategy" to deny the TTP sanctuaries in the country. He reiterated Islamabad's readiness to engage in talks with Kabul on the issue.

"Unfortunately, TTP is operating from Afghanistan and carrying out terror attacks and killing innocent people inside Pakistan. This cannot go on. We have conveyed to the Afghan government that we desire good ties with them but TTP should be stopped from killing our innocent people," Shehbaz said.

"This is a red line. TTP operating from there against Pakistan is unacceptable," he continued. "We desire cordial ties with each other and cooperation in trade, economy and other sectors," he said. "But the policy of talks and allowing TTP to operate against Pakistan can't go simultaneously."

Shehbaz told the ministers that the armed forces and the law-enforcement agencies (LEAs) were ever ready to ensure peace and security in the country. He mentioned that security forces eliminated several terrorists in Waziristan operations.

The prime minister paid tribute to Shaheed Benazir Bhutto on her 17th death anniversary. He said Benazir Bhutto was a courageous woman with political sagacity and acumen. He said her services and sacrifice for democracy and the country were exemplary and would be remembered forever.

About the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy being hosted by Pakistan in February, the prime minister stated that the arrangements for the international sports event had been made. He expressed the hope that the people of Pakistan would witness high-quality cricket.

Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz chaired a review meeting regarding eliminating human trafficking from the country, and directed the authorities concerned to take strict punitive action within a week against the culprits involved in this heinous crime.

During the meeting, according to a press release from the Prime Minister's Office, a report about the boat capsize incident in Greece was presented to the prime minister. Shehbaz stressed the need for making prosecution process more effective against those involved in human trafficking.

"Why disciplinary action has not been taken against the government officials, who facilitate people involved in human trafficking," he asked. He also directed for making visa checks and other regulations effective for all those going abroad.

The prime minister also chaired a review meeting regarding the gas supply situation across the country. He took notice of the complaints from domestic consumers about shortage of gas supply and directed for ensuring uninterrupted supply to the consumers during the winter season.

(WITH INPUT FROM APP)