Pakistan's foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday said that Islamabad has no intention of launching a cross-border operation in Afghanistan.
Quoted by Anadolu news agency, Zardari said that his country will help the current government of Afghanistan in suppressing terrorists and increasing the ability to fight against them.
“We’re not interested in launching a cross-border operation, nor would we want to advocate for more military intervention after what we’ve already seen was the longest war. Pakistan's direct action against terrorist groups in Afghanistan, if cross-border terrorism is not prevented, does not mean that Pakistan will carry out cross-border operations in Afghanistan,” Zardari said.
“What will prefer is for the interim government of Afghanistan to take action against terrorists that may be in their country,” Zardari said. “We are ready and willing to help them increase their capacity and ability to deal with that threat. The most legitimate and the most viable way for us to address the issue of terrorism will be for the interim government in Afghanistan to take appropriate action against these groups.”
The Islamic Emirate spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said they are serious about the security of the region.
“We assure you that we won't allow anyone to act on our territory and we'll stand against them. In general, security is good for all our neighbors including Pakistan. We are sending a message that we are serious about ensuring the security of the region,” said Mujahid.
Analysts said that when Islamabad ends its “double-faced” policy, it would be effective in many areas, including the fight against terrorism.
“The goal of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's remarks is to normalize the situation lately developed between Pakistan and Afghanistan," Tahir Khan, a Pakistani journalist said.
“Pakistan should not continue with its usual policy. The recent statements made by Pakistan's foreign minister are quite promising. Hope it will be able to respect Afghanistan's territory as a neighbor," said political analyst Hamid Aziz.
Earlier, the interior minister of Pakistan, Rana Sanaullah, warned that Islamabad may attack the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan's “hideouts” in Afghanistan if Kabul will not take any action against them.
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