- Pakistan rejected Taliban attacks in self-defense.
- Ceasefire enforced at Taliban request 15 October.
- FO rejects internal question about Afghan claim of terrorism.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Afghanistan are engaged in constructive dialogue with the aim of achieving a peaceful resolution to the ongoing border tensions, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Friday.
In his weekly press briefing, FO spokesman Shafqat Ali Khan said that Pakistan had repeatedly informed Kabul about the presence of Fitna al-Khawarij in Afghanistan.
He expressed deep concern over the Taliban’s “provocative attack” along the border between October 11 and 15, which Pakistan effectively repelled in self-defence.
The spokesman said that during their use, Taliban forces and terrorist hideouts suffered significant casualties. “Our retaliatory action was against terrorist elements, not civilians,” he said, adding that a 48-hour ceasefire was enforced from 10 p.m. 18.00 on 15 October at the Taliban’s request.
Khan said both countries are engaged in constructive negotiations for a peaceful solution. Pakistan expects the Taliban government to take concrete steps against terrorist elements and ensure that Afghan soil is not used for terrorism, in line with its commitments.
He added that Pakistan has hosted over four million Afghan refugees for four decades and will continue to regulate the presence of foreigners on its soil in accordance with international norms and national laws.
“Pakistan wants to see a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan,” Khan said, expressing hope that the Afghan people would one day live freely under a representative and inclusive government.
The spokesman also expressed Pakistan’s serious reservations over the recent joint statement by India and Afghanistan, terming its references to Jammu and Kashmir as a clear violation of UN resolutions and international law.
He further dismissed the Afghan acting foreign minister’s claim that terrorism was Pakistan’s internal problem, noting that Pakistan had already shared details of active terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory.
“Afghanistan cannot absolve itself of the responsibility to prevent its soil from being used for terrorism,” Khan concluded. “Peace and stability are shared responsibilities.”
