Pakistan urges Afghan govt to ‘do more’ against terror havens

–FO says Pakistan has asked US to enhance intelligence sharing for concrete action against terrorists seeking refuge on Pakistani soil

–Envoy to India returns after consultations with FO on harassment of Pakistani diplomats in New Delhi

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has called upon the Afghan government and the Resolution Support Mission to do more to eliminate terrorists’ sanctuaries in Afghanistan.

At his weekly news briefing on Thursday, Foreign Office Spokesman Dr Muhammad Faisal pointed out that Pakistan has continuously highlighted the presence of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) sanctuaries in Afghanistan and it is a matter of satisfaction that the US is addressing the issue. However, he said more needs to be done.

The spokesperson categorically stated that there is no organised presence of terrorist groups in Pakistan. He said Pakistan has been carrying out intelligence-based operations to eliminate the remnant elements, adding that Pakistan has also asked the US government to share intelligence for definite action against terrorists on Pakistani soil.

Responding to a question, the spokesperson said Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was recently on a private visit to the United States where he held talks with Vice President Mike Pence and other US officials on bilateral relations and the situation in Afghanistan.

To a question about Indian complaints that its diplomatic staff is being harassed by Pakistan, the spokesperson said Pakistan is a responsible member of the international community and is making all possible efforts to ensure safety and security of the diplomats. He said India has not shared any evidence about its complaints with Pakistan.

The spokesperson, however, voiced concern over the treatment being meted out to Pakistani diplomatic staff and their family members in New Delhi. He said the FO had lodged protests with India over these unfortunate incidents. He said the Pakistani High Commissioner to India returned to New Delhi on Thursday after discussing some important matters, including those relating to the harassment of diplomatic staff in India.

Voicing concern over continued Indian ceasefire violations on the LOC and the Working Boundary, the spokesperson said the Indian posture poses threat to regional peace and security. He pointed out that India is deliberately increasing tension in order to divert attention from its atrocities in Occupied Kashmir.

He said India has made the Indus Water Treaty dysfunctional and Pakistan has taken up the matter with the World Bank.

Dr Muhammad Faisal said that Pakistan is ready for dialogue with India for resolution of all outstanding disputes.