ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Thursday categorically said no organised terrorist groups existed in the country and called upon Kabul to ‘do more’ to eliminate terrorist sanctuaries in Afghanistan.
During a weekly press briefing, Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr Faisal said Pakistan has repeatedly asked the US government to share intelligence for definite action against terrorists and Pakistan will take due action against them.
He pointed out that Pakistan had continuously highlighted the presence of TTP sanctuaries in Afghanistan and it was a matter of satisfaction that the US was addressing the issue. However, he said more needs to be done.
He said National Security Advisor Nasser Janjua’s visit to Afghanistan took place on the invitation of his Afghan counterpart. “Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has also invited prime minister of Pakistan to Afghanistan which is being considered at the moment,” he added.
Replying to a question, the spokesperson said on his visit to the US, Prime Minster Shahid Khaqan Abbasi met with US Vice President Mike Pence and discussed bilateral relations, the regional situation and Afghanistan as part of the regular interactions between the two countries. “These conversations are important to build trust and cooperation and to strengthen bilateral relations,” he added.
The spokesperson said that India had been sent all proofs regarding incidents of harassment of Pakistani diplomats and their families in New Delhi. Raising concern over the mistreatment of diplomatic staff, he said Pakistan had lodged strong protest with India over these unfortunate incidents. He said Pakistan’s high commissioner to India was in Islamabad for consultation and was returning to New Delhi later in the day after discussing some important matters, including those relating to the harassment of diplomatic staff in India.
To a question about Indian complaints that their diplomatic staffs was also being harassed in Islamabad, he said Pakistan is a responsible member of the international community and makes all possible efforts to ensure safety and security of the diplomats. He said India had not shared any evidence about its complaints with Pakistan.
Expressing concern over continued Indian ceasefire violations on the LoC and the Working Boundary, the spokesperson said the Indian posture poses serious threat to the regional peace and security. He pointed out that India was deliberately increasing tension in order to divert attention of the international community from its atrocities in the Held Kashmir.
He said India had made the Indus Water Treaty dysfunctional and Pakistan had taken up the matter with the World Bank. He said Pakistan was ready for dialogue with India for resolution of all outstanding disputes.
The spokesperson said that Pakistan was deeply disappointed over India’s refusal to issue visas to 503 Pakistani pilgrims who wanted to participate in the Urs of Hazrat Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti (RA) at Ajmer Sharif from March 19-29.
Published in Daily Times, March 23rd 2018.
