Afghanistan’s Taliban accusation rejected

Islamabad has been rendering continuous sacrifices for global peace, official says

Pakistan yesterday rejected accusations that Islamabad was supporting the Afghan Taliban and Haqqani Network, saying the country would not allow its land to be used against any of its neighbouring states.

Foreign Office spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal, shortly after a meeting between top Pakistani and Afghan officials in Islamabad, said Pakistan strongly rejects accusations of supporting the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani network and opposes terrorism in any shape and form.

Afghan president Ashraf Gani slammed Pakistan yesterday, blaming it for a wave of massive deadly attacks that have ravaged his nation recently and accusing Islamabad of harbouring the Taliban.

Gani’s demand

In a televised speech to the nation, Gani insisted the “centre of Taliban terrorism is in Pakistan” and demanded that authorities in the neighbouring country “show some concrete action to rid their territory of insurgents.”

Gani also urged those among the Taliban who wanted to talk peace with the government to separate themselves from those who want only to fight.

“The Afghan nation is waiting for clear action” from Pakistan, said Gani, adding that so far Afghanistan got only promises of cooperation from Islamabad. Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua was expected to travel to Kabul on Saturday with Islamabad’s response, after reviewing the Afghan documents.

Faisal said Pakistan has been rendering continuous sacrifices for the cause of global peace and would not allow its land to be used against any of its neighbouring countries.

The country also expected the same from its neighbours, the spokesperson said. The FO spokesperson reiterated that focus should be on eliminating safe havens of the TTP, Jamaat-ulAhrar in Afghanistan.

Pakistan has constructed 975 posts along its border with Afghanistan, while Afghanistan has built nearly 200 posts only, Faisal said. At least 470 attacks were carried out in Pakistan from Afghanistan, he said.

The spokesperson noted that the 27 suspects handed over to Afghan authorities recently were in connection to the Afghan Taliban and Haqqani network.

“We want a solution to the Afghan issue in accordance with the wishes of the Afghan public,” the spokesperson said, adding that Pakistan wants immediate and dignified return of Afghan refugees to their country.