Pakistan articulates apprehensions on the joint statement issued by India and Afghanistan.
The Additional Foreign Secretary (West Asia & Afghanistan) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs communicated these concerns to Afghanistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan.
The Foreign Office spokesperson stated that the designation of Jammu and Kashmir as part of India constitutes a blatant infringement of pertinent UN Security Council resolutions and the region’s legal status.
The spokesperson remarked: “The Joint Statement is profoundly insensitive to the sacrifices and sentiments of the individuals in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, who are involved in a legitimate struggle for their right to self-determination.”
Pakistan categorically refuted the Afghan Acting Foreign Minister’s claim that terrorism constitutes an internal issue for Pakistan.
The spokesperson stated: “Pakistan has consistently provided information concerning the existence of Fitna-e-Khawarij and Fitna-e-Hindustan terrorist factions operating from Afghan territory, with assistance from certain elements within Afghanistan.” It was underscored that shifting the duty for combating terrorism onto Pakistan does not exempt the Interim Afghan Government from its duties to maintain peace and stability in the region and beyond.
He stated, “It was emphasized that in the spirit of good neighborliness and Islamic fraternity, Pakistan has graciously accommodated nearly four million Afghans for over four decades.”
As peace progressively reinstates in Afghanistan, it is imperative for unauthorized Afghan people staying in Pakistan to repatriate to their homeland. Pakistan, akin to all other nations and in accordance with international standards and procedures, possesses the authority to govern the presence of foreign nationals within its borders,” he asserted.
He stated, “Simultaneously, in conjunction with the repatriation of Afghan nationals, Pakistan has been generously granting medical and study visas to meet the healthcare and educational requirements of Afghan nationals.” In the spirit of Islamic solidarity and amicable ties, Pakistan would persist in providing humanitarian assistance to the Afghan populace.
He stated, “Pakistan aspires to witness a peaceful, stable, regionally integrated, and prosperous Afghanistan.” Consequently, Pakistan has provided comprehensive trade, economic, and connectivity support to Afghanistan. These efforts are intended to foster collaboration and socio-economic advancement between the two nations.
The Government of Pakistan is obligated to use all feasible measures to ensure the safety and security of its citizens. Pakistan anticipates that the Interim Afghan Government will fulfill its responsibilities by implementing tangible measures to prevent its territory from being exploited by Fitna-e-Khawarij and Fitna-e-Hindustan terrorist factions against Pakistan,” he concluded.