Ashraf asks Afghanistan to avoid 'baseless' allegations against Pakistan

PM says Afghan government should provide solid proof regarding attack on their spy chief.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf on Wednesday urged the Afghanistan government to refrain from unfounded accusations against Pakistan.      

Terming "baseless" the allegations leveled by Afghanistan regarding Pakistan's involvement in the attack on the head of National Directorate of Security, the prime minister said the Afghan government should provide solid proof about the incident.

Ashraf, in his opening remarks at the cabinet's weekly meeting, said Pakistan is a peaceful country and values  its relations with neighbouring states in particular.

He said the world and the neighbouring countries must realise that Pakistan considers terrorism and extremism as major challenges.

"Instead of [playing the] blame game, we should join hands to defeat the nefarious designs of terrorists," he said and assured that the Pakistan government would fight extremists at all fronts.

Ashraf strongly condemned the terrorist attack at a police station in Bannu which killed three policemen, an army personnel and two citizens. He also expressed sorrow over the attack on a rally of the Awami National Party that injured eight persons.

The prime minister vowed to fight terrorism and said such cowardly attacks could not deter the government's resolve to eradicate militancy.

Malala Fund

Prime Minister Ashraf paid tribute to President Asif Ali Zardari on his initiative to set up the 'Malala Fund', with seed money of 10 million dollars, aimed at educating girls all over the world by 2015.

He expressed hope that the step would help foil the designs of the elements which fan hatred, violence and ignorance.

Upcoming elections

The prime minister said Pakistan was heading towards general elections and added that free, fair and transparent polls were vital for the continuity of democracy, and for national progress and prosperity.

He said only elected leadership could determine the direction for sustainable economic, social and political progress in the country.

"Insha Allah, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and its allies will sweep the forthcoming polls," he said.

He mentioned the recent judgement of Supreme Court that exposed the manipulation of election results done in the past.

He said the government, in accordance with the vision of Benazir Bhutto, was taking steps to ensure free election in the country and to check any possibility of maneuvering the polls and would provide all out support to the Election Commission in this regard.

Later, Ashraf prayed for Senators Malik Salahuddin Dogar and Wali Muhammad Badeeni who passed away recently.

He acknowledged their services for the country and nation.