Ishaq Dar Says Attacks on Pakistan Are Being Planned From Afghanistan

NEW YORK:Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said attacks against Pakistan are being planned and orchestrated from Afghanistan, urging the Afghan Taliban to stop supporting terrorist groups and prevent Afghan territory from being used against neighbouring countries.

Addressing a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Contact Group on Afghanistan on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly session, Dar said the situation in Afghanistan has significant implications for regional peace, security and stability. He called for concrete and verifiable action to prevent Afghan soil from being used for terrorism, particularly against Pakistan.

Dar said August 2021 marked a decisive turning point for Afghanistan and recalled that Pakistan was among the first countries to open its doors to the Afghan people. He also highlighted Pakistan’s hosting of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in December 2021, saying there had been expectations that the Taliban would work to end terrorism and promote greater political inclusion.

The foreign minister urged the Afghan Taliban to take concrete measures against terrorist groups and respect Afghanistan’s international obligations and commitments. He said Pakistan was seriously concerned about the presence of more than two dozen terrorist groups in Afghanistan, which, according to Pakistan, pose threats to regional and international peace and security.

Dar said Pakistan’s law-enforcement and security institutions were making significant sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. Referring to the recent terrorist attack in Kohat, he said the incident underscored the urgent need for action against terrorist groups and their sanctuaries.

He called on the OIC to urge the Taliban to ensure that Afghan territory is not used against neighbouring countries and to take effective measures against militant groups. Dar also urged the Taliban to adopt an inclusive political process involving all ethnic groups and minorities and to review policies restricting the basic freedoms of Afghan citizens.

The deputy prime minister further called for greater international assistance for Afghanistan’s humanitarian and socio-economic needs and urged the Afghan authorities to facilitate the return and reintegration of Afghan citizens.

Dar reiterated that Pakistan strongly supports a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan that is at peace with itself and its neighbours. He said mutual respect and political commitment by the Taliban were essential for achieving that objective.