Sartaj calls Afghan counterpart to clarify statement on militants
PM's adviser says he was misquoted in interview with BBC Urdu; reaffirms Pakistan's commitment to fight terrorism
ISLAMABAD:
Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz, telephoned the National Security Adviser of Afghanistan, Hanif Atmar, on Thursday to clarify that he had been misquoted in a controversial interview to BBC Urdu on 17 November.
In the interview, the senior aide of the PM had been quoted as saying that not all militants were enemies of Pakistan, among other controversial statements regarding Pakistan's approach towards militancy.
The adviser told Atmar that his statement on militants had been taken out of context and Pakistan’s commitment to fight terrorism is clear and unambiguous.
He also recalled the understanding that was reached between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani last week, in which neither side would allow its territory to be used against the other.
The adviser reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to work closely with Afghanistan to address common challenges and continue to make progress towards a comprehensive and enduring partnership, as envisioned by the leaders of both countries.
Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz, telephoned the National Security Adviser of Afghanistan, Hanif Atmar, on Thursday to clarify that he had been misquoted in a controversial interview to BBC Urdu on 17 November.
In the interview, the senior aide of the PM had been quoted as saying that not all militants were enemies of Pakistan, among other controversial statements regarding Pakistan's approach towards militancy.
The adviser told Atmar that his statement on militants had been taken out of context and Pakistan’s commitment to fight terrorism is clear and unambiguous.
He also recalled the understanding that was reached between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani last week, in which neither side would allow its territory to be used against the other.
The adviser reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to work closely with Afghanistan to address common challenges and continue to make progress towards a comprehensive and enduring partnership, as envisioned by the leaders of both countries.