The JUI-F chief praises the role of the military in securing borders. PHOTO: EPA/FILE
ISLAMABAD:
Amid rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the head of his eponymous faction of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam party, has called for calm, restraint and immediate diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation.
“Pakistan’s security concerns are legitimate,” the influential cleric said, referring to Islamabad’s demands that Taliban rule in Kabul rein in terrorist groups including the TTP, Hafiz Gul Bahadur and the BLA operating from Afghan soil.
However, he also stressed that Afghanistan’s sovereignty and internal challenges must also be respected. He warned that emotional posturing on both sides could further complicate the relationship.
The JUI-F chief urged both countries to adopt a responsible approach based on mutual interests, a reliable security framework and internationally recognized norms. “Diplomatic efforts can provide a sustainable solution, whereas unilateral military actions will only deepen the crisis,” he added.
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Maulana Fazl appealed to both governments to exercise patience and restraint and called for an immediate ceasefire. He also expressed hope that well-wishers from both countries and peace-seeking nations in the region would support peaceful diplomatic interventions.
Pakistani forces have targeted the Afghan Taliban regime’s key military installations in Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia through effective airstrikes, security sources confirmed in the early hours of Friday. At the same time, the international community has called for restraint and dialogue.
Pakistan has “effectively repulsed” Afghan Taliban insurgents at 53 locations along the border, inflicting heavy casualties while exercising restraint to avoid civilian casualties, the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a press briefing on Friday.
“So far, 274 Taliban insurgents have been killed and over 400 wounded,” he said. “73 posts along the border have been destroyed, while 18 posts are now in our possession.” He added that 115 tanks used by rebels had also been destroyed during the attacks.
Lt Gen Chaudhry said the operation was underway and producing the desired results under the supervision of the government. “The operation is continuing and we are achieving the desired results, personally supervised by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif,” he added.
