Response to Latest Afghan Allegations

We express our dismay at the latest allegations leveled in the statements issued by Afghanistan’s National Security Council and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Repeated attempts by the Afghan side to implicate Pakistan’s intelligence institutions in terrorist activities are both unfounded and counter-productive.

It has been stressed by us, time and again, that Pakistan remains committed to disallowing its territory to be used against any 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.

At the same time, we believe that the threat of terrorism is best addressed through mutual cooperation. Pakistan’s firm resolve to combat this menace, without any distinction or discrimination, is concretely manifested in the ongoing military operation Zarb-e-Azb. It is imperative that complementary actions are taken by the Afghan authorities 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.

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. Such a cooperative Pakistan-Afghanistan relationship, we are convinced, is the best guarantee for durable peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

Islamabad
16 September 2014

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