An old photo of the President Karzai. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
The president alleged that a statement by Ashrafi in favour of suicide bombings in Afghanistan showed that Pakistan is not sincere in its efforts to fight terrorism.
Ashrafi, who had been scheduled to travel to Afghanistan for a meeting of the two countries' religious leaders, allegedly said in a television interview that suicide attacks in Afghanistan are lawful because Nato troops are invaders that have occupied the country.
Karzai noted that Ashrafi was appointed to the delegation by the government, implying that the government in Islamabad was backing his views.
Afghanistan wants a real struggle against terrorism and wants the Pakistani government to realise that both our nations are burning in the same fire, the Afghan leader said, speaking at a press conference with visiting Nato Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen.
The Pakistani government has an essential and important role in putting out this fire, Karzai added.
The situation is getting out of control for everyone now. This is not to the benefit of Afghanistan, Pakistan or the region, Karzai said.
Fogh Rasmussen also condemned the cleric's statement and called on Pakistan to do more to rein in the extremist militants along its borders.
Nothing can justify terrorist attacks, Fogh Rasmussen said. We have repeatedly urged the Pakistani government and the Pakistani military to step up the fight against terrorism and extremism in the border region between Pakistan and Afghanistan. We need a positive response from Pakistan if we are to ensure long-term peace.
COMMENTS (19)
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@Stranger: From day 1, India has been trying to cause problems for Pakistan using Afghanistan as their proxy - do you forget that Afghanistan did not recognise Pakistan when Pakistan first gained independence from Britain. India was just happy to repay Pakistan and Muslims for their perceived injustice under Muslim rule before the British came. Senator Hagel from US only said the obvious when he reminded the audience that India funds terror in Pakistan from its bases in Afghanistan.
@Jat: I second Maria on your comment, If you think India stand clean, then please THINK again.
What pity, when Afghanistan censures Pakistan on violence.
@Jat: You can own up to terrorists as much as you like but reality is different.
These foreigners came in to Pakistan with help of US immigration software called PISCES on our borders and airports. The software was made by Booz Allen Hamilton a CIA front company. Syria, Mali was a peaceful country until US wanted a regime change or balkanization.
It will to be fair to say that all those who are directly or indirectly involved in the occupation of Afghanistan are just nuts in Nut shells. Please do not put your foot in the mouth, the Danish clown or the self appointed grand mufti Ashrafi. The good news is that all foreigners have been asked to leave because of the unpaid rentals and restaurant bills. Leave and leave soon so that the tourists who usualy pay in advance can visit the land of the warriors and the green valleys with marillens, seedless grapes, apples and pomegranades.
Rex Minor
Pakistan has had it's share of Blood and Tears. It is time to move on. Vote for Change. Note for PTI please.
Even if they wanted to take the stance that "attacks" are justified, it wouldn't be as bad. They'd still get a negative response but to ever condone suicide bombings is just ridiculous. Many, though not all, are people who were purchased and manipulated. The very foundation of suicide bombing should be rejected by every human. It requires some form of brain washing, even if it's just by their local extremist cleric. Few humans with a normally functioning brain people would naturally think to blow themselves up in retaliation for anything. They also target civilians. That is not attacking an "invader."
@Jat: India has been using Afghanistan as a base to carry out all kinds of criminal attacks against innocent Pakistanis. You should be the last to comment about criminal acts. As for the Afghanistan border with Pakistan, it should be mined and fences to prevent the movement of people in a non controlled way. The US can make a wall with Mexico to keep out illegal Mexicans. Pakistan should ask ISAF to do the same to keep out illegal Afghans or Indian agents.
On a sidenote, do you know that China has requested a dialogue on Afghanistan with India? It looks like even the Chinese are wary about Pakistanis.
@Raj - USA: You don't understand Pakhtuns or the simple fact that blood is thicker than water. Mulana is nuts and even if he doesn't endorse it Taliban will do as they like following the advice of bin Laden or al-Zawahiri.
@Shameema: Agree with you. I also thought this maulana was a moderate. I have watched him once on a TV talk show and he had moderate views.
Karzai being a stooge has no respect in Pakistan. Even though suicide bombing cannot be condoned, yet a genuinely representative leader of the Afghan would make a huge difference for bringing peace in Afghanistan.
What you meanemphasized text "Pakistan is not sincere in its efforts to fight terrorism".You know we destroy our country ,our cities for what? For u. AND U STILL SAYING "DO MORE"....What you want more from PAKISTAN AND FROM ITS PEOPLE?
For once I agree with Karzai! Suicide bombings are not accepatable or sanctioned by Islam! Shame on you, Maulana Sahib. And I thought you were one of the moderate Maulanas. Tauba!
NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen says, "Nothing can justify terrorist attacks. We have repeatedly urged the Pakistani government and the Pakistani military to step up the fight against terrorism and extremism"
Pakistan military is busy planning the conquest of the whole world and also busy dividing the prime real estate amongst themselves. Sorry no can do.
Does anyone believe that Afghanistan and Pakistan can ever have a mutually beneficial and friendly relationship?
Pakistan is losing close to 50 people everyday to strikes by their own assets; but still refuse to close down their dirty tricks department. Old habits die hard; especially the bad habits.
This is a lesson you Pakistanis will learn, but lean it the hard way and after destroying most of your country.