Pakistan asks Afghanistan to enhance border security

Kabul asked to stop terrorists fleeing N Waziristan from entering Afghan territory, says FO.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has asked Afghanistan to take necessary measures on its side of the border to stop terrorists fleeing North Waziristan from entering Afghan territory.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Tasnim Aslam in her weekly briefing onThursday said the purpose of Special Envoy Mahmood Khan Achakzai’s visit to Kabul was also aimed at seeking Afghan cooperation in the management of the border between the two countries.

She said Afghan National Security Advisor Dr Rangin Dadfar Spanta’s visit also aims to take the discussion on the matter forward.

The spokesperson recalled that Pakistan had taken extraordinary measures, including the restriction of movement and deployment of additional troops on the border, when presidential elections took place in Afghanistan.

She said these security measures were appreciated not only by Afghanistan but the international community as well.

The spokesperson said the operation has been launched in North Waziristan to eliminate terrorism and it was in Afghanistan's own interest to cooperate with Pakistan.

She expressed confidence that Afghan authorities would respond positively to Pakistan's call for enhanced security at the border.

Replying to a question on whether any foreign country has offered assistance for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) of North Waziristan, the spokesperson asserted that Pakistan had not asked for any foreign assistance. The United Arab Emirates, however, has offered some sort of assistance for them, she added.

“The people of North Waziristan are our brothers and sisters and as a nation it is our responsibility to come out and extend all out support for the IDPs who have to leave their homes for the peace and security of the entire country,” Aslam said.