Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has asked Kabul to take action against TehreekeTaliban Pakisan and Jamaat-ul-Ahrar sanctuaries on its soil.

The call was made by Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz while addressing a seminar in Islamabad on Wednesday.

He pointed out that the terrorist outfits have been crossing through the porous border and launching terrorist attacks in Pakistan.

Sartaj Aziz said Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad has been launched to eradicate the remnant terrorist elements. The operation is continuing successfully. He said terrorist sanctuaries have been destroyed in Waziristan.

The Adviser said Pakistan has always made sincere efforts for peace and stability in Afghanistan. He stressed that political solution can only pave the way for durable peace in the neighboring country. He said peace in Afghanistan is vital for peace and security of Pakistan.

The Adviser said meaningful engagement between Pakistan and Afghanistan is of key importance for peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region. In recent weeks, exchange of visits has gained momentum. He said it is important that these visits and interactions are streamlined under the rubric of bilateral cooperation mechanism agreed upon between the two sides in March for cooperation in diplomatic, military and intelligence fields with political oversight.

Referring to Pakistan’s assistance to Afghanistan, the adviser said Pakistan has undertaken development projects in Afghanistan worth 500 million dollars. 3000 scholarships have also been availed by the Afghan students for education in Pakistan’s colleges and universities.

Later talking to the media persons, Sartaj Aziz said both Pakistan and Iran have agreed to constitute a new border management commission in order to address border related issues.

He said that the commission will comprise four members from each side and it will hold the first meeting this month.

He pointed out there is not only the issue of extremist elements on Pak-Iran border but also of illegal smuggling and others.

He said our aim is to further strengthen border mechanisms in such a manner that no security vacuum is created.

When asked about changes of any meeting between the prime ministers of Pakistan and India at the upcoming SCO summit, the adviser said it is early to say anything. He said Pakistan could consider the meeting if interest was shown from the other side. He, however, said the SCO summit is an important occasion as Pakistan will become permanent member of the organization. He was confident that the development will help Pakistan further strengthen its relations with the central Asian states, Russia and China.

The Adviser said Pak Afghan border at Chaman has partially been opened. He said in the first phase, sick Afghan nationals are being allowed to go back to their homes.

Sartaj Aziz said both Iran and Afghanistan are not enemies but friendly countries.