Key points
- Says no compromise will be made on national defence
- Reveals terrorists like TTP, BLA operating from Afghan soil
- India-backed Khawarij attacks from Afghan soil are documented: President
- Urges Afghan interim government to prevent anti-Pakistan activities
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari have strongly condemned Afghan provocation and hostile actions in border areas, reaffirming that Pakistan remains firmly committed to safeguarding its national interests, regional sovereignty, and security.
The Prime Minister paid tribute to the armed forces for their professionalism and courage, saying Pakistan was “proud of the Pakistan Army’s professional excellence.”
“Under the bold leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, our armed forces not only responded decisively to Afghanistan’s aggression but also destroyed several of their posts, forcing them to retreat,” the Prime Minister stated.
He reaffirmed that Pakistan would never compromise on national defense, warning that any act of provocation would be met with a powerful and effective response.
“Our defense lies in strong hands, and we know well how to protect every inch of our motherland,” he asserted. “The Pakistan Army has always given a befitting reply to all forms of external aggression.”
Safeguarding the nation’s borders
Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasised that the entire nation stands united with Pakistan’s security forces, expressing full confidence in their ability to defend the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The premier revealed that Pakistan had repeatedly provided Afghanistan with intelligence on the presence of terrorist organisations such as Fitna al-Khawarij (TTP) and Fitna al-Hindustan (BLA) operating from Afghan soil against Pakistan.
“Terrorist groups are being supported by elements within Afghanistan,” he said, stressing that Islamabad expected the Afghan interim government to ensure its territory was not used by any terrorist elements targeting Pakistan.
The Prime Minister concluded that Pakistan’s defense and security were non-negotiable, assuring the public that the country’s armed forces would continue to safeguard the nation’s borders “with full strength and resolve.
Unlawful claims
President Asif Ali Zardari, in his statement, stated that Pakistan will never accept any disputed or misleading position on Jammu and Kashmir, reiterating that India’s unlawful claims over the territory are contrary to international law and the United Nations Security Council resolutions.
President Zardari said it is unfortunate that the current Interim Afghan administration has 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.
He noted that attacks launched from the territory of the Interim Afghan Government by India-backed Khawarij terrorists are a well-documented reality, confirmed in successive United Nations Security Council monitoring reports. Pakistan, he said, has repeatedly made it clear that its civilians and security personnel are being targeted through the nexus of the Indian sponsored Khawarij and other terror groups.
Gignified repatriation of Afghan citizens
President Zardari urged the Interim Afghan government to take concrete and verifiable action against anti-Pakistan terrorist elements operating from the Afghan soil. He emphasised that the terror menace of the Khawarij and other groups sponsored by India remains the greatest threat to regional peace and stability.
“Terrorism is a shared challenge and its burden cannot be placed on any single country,” the President remarked.
He said Pakistan has demonstrated Islamic fraternity and exemplary neighbourliness by hosting millions of Afghan refugees for over four decades. The dignified repatriation of Afghan citizens, he added, is in the interest of both countries and essential for sustainable peace.
President Zardari reaffirmed that Pakistan will continue to support the educational and humanitarian needs of the Afghan people, but no compromise will ever be made on Pakistan’s national sovereignty.
Lasting peace
He recalled that Pakistan has extended every possible facilitation to Afghanistan in trade, economic connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges. Mutual cooperation and economic partnership, he said, are the foundation for lasting peace and regional prosperity.
President Zardari underscored that Pakistan desires a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Afghanistan. He said brotherly relations must be based on mutual respect, security cooperation, and a shared commitment to regional peace.
The President expressed hope that the Interim Afghan Government will prevent its soil from being used by Khawarij and India-backed terrorist elements against Pakistan, stressing that only joint and practical measures can guarantee enduring peace in the region.
