Islamabad- The Foreign Office spokesperson has said that the presence of terrorist elements in Afghanistan poses a major threat to regional peace and security, and that a United Nations report clearly supports Pakistan’s position. On the other hand, the ceasefire was not observed, cross-border attacks continue, and the ceasefire has not held.
During the weekly briefing in Islamabad, the spokesperson said that there is concrete evidence of the presence of terrorist elements in Afghanistan, and that there is reliable evidence of terrorists receiving support on Afghan soil. Pakistan has obtained human and other intelligence regarding support to terrorist elements, and credible reports are available regarding the number of terrorists, their names, and financial assistance.
The Foreign Office spokesperson said that diplomatic channels between Pakistan and Afghanistan are active, and that the ambassadors of both countries are present in their respective capitals. Bilateral matters continue to be discussed through diplomatic channels.
The spokesperson stated that Pakistan will continue to support sustained diplomatic engagement in the region. The ceasefire between Afghanistan and Pakistan should not be considered a conventional ceasefire; its purpose was to stop terrorist attacks from Afghanistan into Pakistan. Terrorist attacks originating from Afghan soil are tantamount to firing. Pakistan has evidence that the attackers receive cross-border support. Pakistan implemented the ceasefire in good faith, but the other side did not abide by it. Cross-border attacks continue, and the ceasefire has not remained in place.
He further said that the presence of terrorist elements was discussed at a regional meeting held in Iran. The issue of the TTP and other terrorist groups was discussed in a broader context at the meeting. The meeting of special representatives of neighboring countries in Tehran was part of a regional mechanism, and such regional mechanisms are important for consensus and consultation.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andarabi said that the presence of terrorist elements in Afghanistan poses a major threat to regional peace and security. The presence of terrorist groups is also undermining efforts for internal stability and development in Afghanistan. Reports of the United Nations Security Council confirm the presence of various terrorist organizations in Afghanistan, and the report specifically mentions the TTP and other foreign terrorist elements. The UN report clearly supports Pakistan’s position. Terrorist elements are the biggest obstacle in relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
According to the spokesperson, consultations are ongoing in some global capitals regarding an international stabilization force; however, Pakistan has not been informed of any specific request in this regard, and Pakistan has not yet made any decision regarding such a force.
Regarding the shooting incident in Australia, the spokesperson said that Australian authorities are investigating the Bondi Beach attack. Linking this attack to Pakistan is unfortunate and irresponsible. A Pakistani individual’s name and photograph were shown in the media without verification, which, due to incorrect reporting, put an innocent person and his family at risk. Indian media spread misinformation and propaganda regarding the incident, but it later emerged that the attacker was of Indian origin and a holder of an Indian passport.
