- PM’s adviser reiterates Pakistan’s commitment to fighting terrorism without any distinction between militant groups
Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz telephoned his Afghan counterpart on Thursday and conveyed his annoyance over a recent controversial interview with BBC, clarifying that he had been quoted out of context.
Aziz had told BBC Urdu that Pakistan should not target militant groups that do not pose a threat to the state. The statement received harsh criticism by political rivals and on social media.
The Foreign Office (FO) has already said that the statement was reported out of context. “The advisor made the statement in a historical context,” FO spokesperson Tasneem Aslam said in a statement on Tuesday.
During Thursday’s telephonic conversation, Aziz told National Security Adviser of Afghanistan Hanif Atmar that his remarks during the November 17 interview were misquoted, as he claimed that he was talking in a ‘historical context’.
The adviser reiterated that Pakistan’s commitment to fighting terrorism was clear and that Operation Zarb-e-Azb was targeting all terrorists without any distinction or discrimination.
Aziz also recalled the understanding reached between Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif last week that neither side would allow its territory to be used against the other.
The top Pakistani diplomat reaffirmed the country’s resolve to work closely with Afghanistan to address the common challenges and continue to make progress towards a comprehensive and enduring partnership, as envisioned by the leaders of the two countries.
