ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Foreign Office has called on the United States to reclaim the military equipment left behind in Afghanistan following the US withdrawal, citing ongoing regional security challenges.
Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan during a weekly briefing on Thursday said terrorism continued to be a core issue between Pakistan and Afghanistan, as terrorist groups, including the TTP, enjoyed sanctuaries in Afghanistan.
He added Pakistan has repeatedly urged Afghan authorities to take action against these groups.
He noted that Pakistan desires good neighbourly ties with Afghanistan.
Afghan border closure
The spokesperson regarding the closure of the Afghan border at Torkham dismissed the notions of any unilateral action by Pakistan adding that the Afghan side unilaterally carried out construction activity on the Pakistani side and also resorted to firing on the Pakistan terminal.
A border flag meeting was also held but the matter yet remained unresolved.
The Pakistani government has officially raised concerns with Afghan authorities, urging them to resolve the issue through dialogue and negotiations.
Pakistan-US anti-terrorism cooperation
Shafqat Ali Khan to a question about Pakistan’s support to arrest and handing over of ISKP top-tier terrorist Sharifullah to the United States, said that the intelligence cooperation between Pakistan and the US was longstanding.
“Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies’ efforts against terrorism including ISKP have resulted in significant successes.
Pursuant to the UN Security Council’s resolutions 1267 and 1373, Pakistan collaborated with the US and handed over Sharifullah. These operations manifested Pakistan’s policy of zero tolerance against terrorism,” he remarked.
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He also shared that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had received a call from the US National Security Advisor, who praised Pakistan’s efforts against terrorism and thanked President Trump for his support.
Rejection of Indian FO remarks on Kashmir
The spokesperson also rejected the Indian External Affairs Minister’s remarks on Jammu and Kashmir, adding that no electoral exercise, pursuant to the Indian Constitution, or the economic activity down the barrel of a gun could substitute Kashmiris’ self-determination right and address their grievances.
“Any electoral exercise, pursuant to the Indian Constitution, cannot serve as a substitute to grant of right to self-determination. Similarly, the decades-old grievances of the Kashmiri people cannot be meaningfully addressed through economic activity down the barrel of a gun,” Shafqat Ali Khan said.
He stated that the Indian External Affairs Minister’s comments misrepresented the actual situation and violated international law, as Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognised disputed territory.
According to UN Security Council resolutions, the final status of the region was to be determined through a free and impartial plebiscite under the auspices of the United Nations.
Condemnation of Israeli actions
The spokesperson condemned Israel’s decision to block humanitarian aid from entering into war-hit Gaza, during the Holy month of Ramadan.
“This latest action is part of Israel’s systematic campaign to deny much-needed humanitarian aid to millions of Palestinians in dire need. This constitutes yet another blatant violation of international law by the occupying power and could imperil the ceasefire agreement.”
He called on the international community to ensure unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza and to hold Israel accountable for the imposition of collective punishment through the denial of humanitarian aid to millions of civilians.
OIC conference
Shafqat Ali Khan further added that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will visit Saudi Arabia to attend the upcoming OIC meeting in Jeddah. During the conference, he will address the issue of the Palestinian right to self-determination.
He said that Ishaq Dar will present Pakistan’s position on the worsening situation in Palestine and Israeli aggression against Palestinians, while also addressing the humanitarian crisis resulting from the conflict.
Shafqat Ali Khan emphasised that the discussions would cover the unlawful and immoral proposals aimed at displacing Palestinians from their homeland. The conference will also reaffirm Pakistan’s steadfast support for the Palestinian people.
