ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s political and military leadership have categorically condemned the terror attacks from Afghanistan and have urged the government in the neighbouring country to not let its soil be used in conducting terrorist attacks inside Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasised that the policy of engaging in talks while allowing the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to operate against Pakistan cannot continue simultaneously.
PM addresses cabinet
Chairing a federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad, on Friday, he made it clear that Pakistan has conveyed its desire for amicable relations to the Afghan government, but also highlighted that the TTP must be stopped from committing acts of terrorism. This, he stated, is a firm red line.
Sharif called upon the neighbouring Afghanistan’s interim government to develop a robust strategy to eliminate terrorist sanctuaries on its soil.
Pakistan’s prime minister expressed concern over the continued activities of TTP operating from Afghan territory, which is responsible for the killing of innocent civilians inside Pakistan, state-run Radio Pakistan reported.
DG ISPR on Afghanistan
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General (DG) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said on Friday that terrorist outfits were being provided “sanctuaries, support, and are allowed unrestrained activities on Afghan territory”, Dawn reported.
Addressing the press conference on Friday in Rawalpindi, Gen Chaudhry also touched upon Pakistan’s ties with Afghanistan.
“All evidence related to terrorism can be traced back to the safe havens enjoyed by terrorists in Afghanistan. The army chief has a clear and straight-forward stance on this: that Pakistan has reservations on banned organsiations’ sanctuaries, support, and unrestrained activities on Afghan territory,” he asserted.
“Pakistan will leave no stone unturned to eliminate the terrorist networks and keep our citizens safe.”
Islamabad has repeatedly demanded Kabul to take action against hideouts of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on its soil.
“Everyone knows that Pakistan has wholeheartedly tried for peacekeeping in Afghanistan. Pakistan has played the most important role in the stability of Afghanistan,” Gen Chaudhry said, noting that Pakistan has hosted Afghan refugees for a long time.
“Pakistan has, on a state level, pointed out to the Afghan interim government that Fitna al Khawarij and various other terrorists have continued terrorist activities in Pakistan using Afghan soil,” he recalled.
Armed forces committed
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasised that Pakistan’s armed forces and law enforcement agencies are fully committed to combating terrorism, Radio Pakistan reported.
He said that a few days ago, sixteen personnel from the Frontier Corps were martyred, and several terrorists were eliminated in operations in North Waziristan, during which an army major was also martyred.
Referring to the 17th martyrdom anniversary of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, the prime minister praised her as a courageous leader with political sagacity and acumen.
He highlighted that Benazir Bhutto was the first female prime minister of the Islamic world and always believed in political coexistence.
Shehbaz Sharif said that her services and sacrifices for democracy and the country were exemplary and would be remembered forever.
Shortage of medicine in Parachinar
Addressing the issue of the shortage of medicines in Parachinar, the prime minister said that the federal government had supplied one thousand kilograms of medicines to the area via helicopter. He also mentioned that patients from Parachinar had been airlifted and were receiving treatment in Islamabad.
The prime minister also briefed the meeting about his telephonic conversation with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, during which he expressed condolences for the tragic plane crash that killed 38 people and injured 24 others.
About the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, Shehbaz Sharif said the arrangements for the international sports event had been made and expressed the hope that the people of Pakistan will witness high-quality cricket.
The prime minister told the cabinet members that under the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) agreement with the banks and the government, 70 billion rupees will be added to the national treasury within a year, and approximately 240 billion rupees over three years.
He said that in recent years, the banks had earned windfall profits owing to the high interest rate.
This matter will be presented to the cabinet for approval before receiving the final nod from the President of Pakistan.
