Pakistan refutes Afghan allegations of involvement in terrorist attacks
Foreign Office spokesperson says Afghanistan should hand over TTP elements seeking refuge there
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan has firmly rejected Afghan allegations of being involved in terrorist attacks on their soil, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs press release stated on Tuesday.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam, in response to recent statements issued by Afghanistan’s National Security Council and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said, “Repeated attempts by the Afghan side to implicate Pakistan’s intelligence institutions in terrorist activities are both unfounded and counter-productive.”
Aslam spoke of repeated emphasis on Pakistan’s commitment to not allow its territory to be used by any other country.
“We would not allow anyone to breach Pakistan’s laws in this regard or to undermine our goals of fostering friendly and cooperative relations with neighbouring countries,” Aslam said.
The spokesperson added that terrorism is best addressed through mutual cooperation.
She reiterated Pakistan’s continued commitment to fight militants, “Pakistan’s firm resolve to combat this menace, without any distinction or discrimination, is concretely manifested in the ongoing military operation Zarb-e-Azb.”
Further, Aslam stressed it is necessary for Afghan authorities to take similar action against militants on their side of the border.
“Elimination of terrorist sanctuaries and handing over of TTP elements that have taken refuge in Afghanistan are the first important steps in that direction,” the spokesperson asserted.
“We hope that the Afghan side would respond positively by taking the requisite counter-terrorism measures in the long-term interest of friendly, cooperative and good-neighbourly relations with Pakistan.”
Aslam maintained that friendly Pakistan-Afghanistan relations are necessary to ensure peace, stability and prosperity in the region.
Pakistan has firmly rejected Afghan allegations of being involved in terrorist attacks on their soil, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs press release stated on Tuesday.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam, in response to recent statements issued by Afghanistan’s National Security Council and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said, “Repeated attempts by the Afghan side to implicate Pakistan’s intelligence institutions in terrorist activities are both unfounded and counter-productive.”
Aslam spoke of repeated emphasis on Pakistan’s commitment to not allow its territory to be used by any other country.
“We would not allow anyone to breach Pakistan’s laws in this regard or to undermine our goals of fostering friendly and cooperative relations with neighbouring countries,” Aslam said.
The spokesperson added that terrorism is best addressed through mutual cooperation.
She reiterated Pakistan’s continued commitment to fight militants, “Pakistan’s firm resolve to combat this menace, without any distinction or discrimination, is concretely manifested in the ongoing military operation Zarb-e-Azb.”
Further, Aslam stressed it is necessary for Afghan authorities to take similar action against militants on their side of the border.
“Elimination of terrorist sanctuaries and handing over of TTP elements that have taken refuge in Afghanistan are the first important steps in that direction,” the spokesperson asserted.
“We hope that the Afghan side would respond positively by taking the requisite counter-terrorism measures in the long-term interest of friendly, cooperative and good-neighbourly relations with Pakistan.”
Aslam maintained that friendly Pakistan-Afghanistan relations are necessary to ensure peace, stability and prosperity in the region.