President Asif Ali Zardari today issued a stern call for Afghanistan’s Interim Government to take “concrete and verifiable action” against India-backed terrorist elements he asserts are operating from Afghan soil to attack Pakistan, identifying this menace as the greatest threat to regional stability.
The President said in a statement that assaults launched from Afghan territory by India-sponsored Khawarij terrorists are a well-documented reality, a fact he said is corroborated in successive United Nations Security Council monitoring reports. He emphasised that Pakistani civilians and security personnel are being targeted through this nexus.
In his remarks, President Zardari also expressed disappointment with the current Afghan administration”s stance on Kashmir. He described it as unfortunate that they have turned away from the just struggle of the oppressed people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, thereby “doing injustice to both history and the Muslim Ummah.”
Reaffirming Pakistan”s unwavering position, he declared that the nation remains firmly committed to safeguarding its national interests and will never accept any disputed or misleading position on Jammu and Kashmir, reiterating that India’s unlawful claims are contrary to international law.
“Terrorism is a shared challenge and its burden cannot be placed on any single country,” the President remarked, urging the Afghan government to take decisive steps against anti-Pakistan militant factions.
Highlighting Pakistan’ long-standing support, he noted the nation has shown Islamic fraternity and exemplary neighborliness by hosting millions of Afghan refugees for over four decades. He added that the dignified repatriation of Afghan citizens is essential for sustainable peace and benefits both countries.
Zardari underscored that while Pakistan desires a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Afghanistan and has extended facilitation in trade and economic connectivity, no compromise will ever be made on Pakistan’s national sovereignty.
He expressed hope that the Interim Afghan Government will prevent its soil from being used by hostile elements, stressing that brotherly relations must be based on mutual respect and that only joint, practical measures can guarantee enduring peace in the region.