The Free Press Journal

INDIA'S INFLUENCE IN AFGHAN HAS CREATED CHAOS: PAKISTAN

- AGENCIES

Indias influence in Afghanista­n has created chaos in the war-torn country, Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif said on Monday, reports IANS.

"Pakistan is against India's interventi­on in Afghanista­n," Asif told the media after the fourth round of Pakistan-US Track-II diplomatic talks in Islamabad, Geo reported.

The Minister also emphasised the need for immediate removal of what he called terrorist safe havens in Afghanista­n, adding the US Afghan policy was damaging the reconcilia­tion process in the country.

Asif added that Afghanista­n's economy and structure had been hampered and damaged by years of war and there were multiple pressure groups which wanted the war to continue.

"It is not our problem," Asif said referring to the refugees. "The US can invest in the replacemen­t of these refugees to their home country."

He added that US-Pakistan relations needed to be worked on and the "blame game" needed to end so that both countries may work towards mutual understand­ing.

Earlier, US Ambassador David Hale said India's role in Afghanista­n was restricted to only economic assistance. He added that both Pakistan and India needed to improve relations and urged both countries to make efforts for regional peace.

Hale said the US had told Pakistani officials to take decisive action against terrorists active from its soil.

"US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has conveyed to the political and military leadership in Pakistan that the Pakistan-US relations are at a crucial juncture and if they don't cooperate, we will act accordingl­y," he said.

 ??  ?? Khawaja Asif
Khawaja Asif

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