ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday reiterated demand for written assurances from the Afghan leadership that their soil will not be used by terrorist groups to carry out attacks within Pakistan.
Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi made these remarks during his weekly press briefing in Islamabad.
In response to a question regarding the resolution passed by Afghan scholars, which states that Afghan soil will not be used against other countries, the spokesperson acknowledged that any recognition by the Afghan leadership or society that their territory is being used to perpetuate terrorism in Pakistan is a positive development and would certainly be welcomed.
However, he emphasized that similar commitments have been made in the past but were not honoured. He said the resolution does not qualify to be a full written assurance.
He said given our affinity and care for the brotherly Afghan people, Pakistan is willing to provide humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.
The spokesperson confirmed that an aid convoy dispatched to Afghanistan has been cleared from Pakistan’s side, and its receipt now depends on the Taliban authorities.
The spokesperson stated that Pakistan’s diplomatic mission in Afghanistan is fully operational and likely conveyed information about recent terrorists and their handlers through established channels.
The Spokesperson welcomed the US package of six hundred and eighty six million dollars for up-gradation of F-16s saying it is part of regular defense cooperation. He said Pakistan looks forward to expand multifaceted cooperation with the US.
Tahir Andrabi regretted that the SAARC process continues to be blocked by India. He hoped the SAARC process will be revived. He expressed Pakistan’s firm commitment to multilateralism.
Responding to questions, Andrabi said Pakistan prefers not to comment on remarks by India’s minister, but the government “strongly condemns the recent hateful and controversial statement” issued by the Indian defence minister.
The Spokesperson said Jammu and Kashmir is on the agenda of the United Nations as well as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. He said Jammu and Kashmir is an unsettled, legally recognized, UN mandated international dispute under the international law.
Referring to blatant human rights violations in IIOJK, he said Pakistan will continue to extend moral, political and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people in order to realize their full human rights particularly the right to self-determination in accordance with the UN resolutions.
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