Press Release

(2017-08-07) Responding to a media query regarding statement attributed to the Governor of the Afghan province of Kunar, the Spokesperson rejected the allegation that Pakistan military operation Khyber-IV was meant to push militants into Afghanistan. The Spokesperson underlined that such statements were contrary to the spirit and understanding arrived at during recent engagements at the leadership level of the two countries. Such media headlines are misleading and part of the malicious campaign.

Khyber-IV is part of the ongoing counter-terrorism operation Radd-ul-Fasaad. Our security forces have achieved success in fighting back terrorists. The political leadership of the two countries had agreed that the two sides would coordinate and cooperate in their action to eradicate the menace of terrorism, which is a common challenge. The Afghan Defence authorities were accordingly informed about operation Khyber-IV. Terrorists fleeing military action were to be dealt with by Afghan security forces. So far we have received no support from Afghanistan in Operation Khyber IV.

Effective border management is imperative to curb cross-border movement of terrorists. Border management measures would facilitate movement of people, trade, and transit and would be instrumental in curtailing the activities of terrorists, drug and human smugglers and other undesired elements.

Islamabad
7 August 2017

267/2017