Pakistan calls Taliban statements a pretence of dialogue — Dawn
Pakistan said it would not allow what it called a pretence of dialogue to be used as cover for those who threaten the country’s population. Pakistan’s Ministry of Information stated this position in Islamabad on September 20 in response to remarks by Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, Dawn reports.
The ministry said that Pakistan had consistently sought dialogue and constructive engagement with the Afghan Taliban. At the same time, it stressed that it would not allow negotiations to be used to shield individuals whom Islamabad considers a threat to its security.
Dialogue proposal
Earlier, Mujahid said in an interview with Al Arabiya English that Afghanistan sought dialogue with Pakistan. He also called for strengthening intelligence-sharing mechanisms and cooperation between the sides.
The Taliban spokesperson welcomed Saudi Arabia’s more active mediating role in relations between Kabul and Islamabad. According to him, Saudi Arabia is a friend of both countries and can play a positive role in resolving differences.
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Mujahid also warned Pakistan against conducting military operations on Afghan territory and said Kabul would defend its sovereignty in the event of such actions. He denied Islamabad’s claims that Afghan territory is used by groups to carry out attacks in Pakistan.
Militant allegations
Pakistani authorities rejected the Taliban’s warning about possible retaliatory actions. The Ministry of Information said the Afghan Taliban must dismantle militant networks which, Islamabad claims, operate from Afghan territory.
Pakistan also said it has the will and capacity to eliminate terrorist threats and would take necessary measures in accordance with international law to protect its citizens, territory and sovereignty. The Pakistani side linked these statements to a deadly attack on civilians and police officers praying on Friday in Kohat.
Islamabad claims that Afghanistan has sanctuaries, recruitment and support infrastructure of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and other groups. Pakistan also said that the Taliban has obligations under the Doha Agreement not to allow Afghan territory to be used for threats against other countries, and called for credible, verifiable and sustained measures against militant networks.
