-DG ISPR says Taliban have time and again assured Afghan soil will not be used against Pakistan
-Reiterates Pakistan has been able to fence as much as 90% of the border with Afghanistan and would be made completely secure in the near future
-Adds Islamabad is in constant contact with Afghan Taliban for ensuring national security
RAWALPINDI: Director-General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Babar Iftikhar has said that Pakistan is confident that the Taliban will fulfil their commitment of not allowing any terrorist organisation to use Afghan soil against any country including Pakistan.
In an interview with Urdu News on Monday, the chief military spokesperson said that Pakistan is in constant contact with Afghan Taliban officials to protect the country’s national security.
He said that the Afghan Taliban have reiterated on several occasions that they would not let any group or organization use the Afghan soil for terror activities. “We have no reason to doubt their intentions, and that is why we are in constant touch with them to protect our national interest,” Maj Gen Babar added.
Since the Taliban took control of the Afghan capital Kabul last month, Pakistan has been calling upon the international community to play its role in rebuilding the war-torn country to ensure peace and stability. Pakistan has also urged the Afghan Taliban to form an inclusive government comprising all ethnicities including Tajiks, Hazaras and Uzbek. Prime Minister Imran Khan last week also announced that he had initiated dialogue with the Taliban for an inclusive government.
He said after 40 years of conflict, this inclusivity would ensure peace and a stable Afghanistan, which was in the interest not only of Afghanistan but the region as well. Responding to another question, Major General Babar Iftikhar said that border management was being continuously improved and it would be made completely secure in the near future.
“Our goal has always been better management on this side of the border, he said, adding that fencing the Pakistan-Afghan border was a major responsibility given the size of the region and other challenges. Despite all the difficulties, Pakistan has completed the fencing work on 90% of the border. Border management is constantly improving and we are hopeful that it will be fully secured in the near future,” he remarked. When asked about the Indian media role in the Afghan crisis, the ISPR chief said the manner in which Indian journalists and media outlets spread lies regarding the Pansjhhir conflict exposed that they relied on fabricated and concocted information. Some leading international and Indian media outlets published and aired fake news stories in an attempt to involve Pakistan in the internal affairs of Afghanistan.
Earlier on September 10, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa had reiterated that Pakistan’s commitment to peace in Afghanistan, stressing constructive engagement and humanitarian support in the neighbouring country.–Agencies
