Pakistan rejects Afghan allegations of cross-border terrorism

ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office (FO) on Thursday rejected the Afghan government's statements accusing it of involvement in cross-border terrorism. Spokesperson Tasnim Aslam in her weekly briefing told reporters that Pakistan has expressed dismay over the string of allegations by Afghanistan’s National Security Council and Ministry of Foreign Affairs maligning Pakistan’s security institutions. "Pakistan reiterates its categorical rejection of Afghan allegations of Pakistan's involvement in terrorist attacks and cross-border shelling", the FO spokesperson said in the capital. "We also firmly reject any statements vilifying Pakistan’s commitment to fight terrorism," she said. Aslam said as Pakistan has repeatedly emphasised, terrorism is a common enemy affecting the whole region and mutual efforts must be made by all sides for combating it effectively. Leveling baseless allegations serve no useful purpose, she added. "It only benefits the enemies of peace and undermines the prospects of a cordial relationship between the brotherly people of Pakistan and Afghanistan", she remarked. She said the launch of military operation Zarb-i-Azb was the clearest reflection of Pakistan’s resolve to fight terrorism without any discrimination or distinction. "The operation was based on Pakistan’s own national interest and backed by national consensus. To ensure optimal results, it was imperative that necessary steps were taken by the Afghan authorities on their side of the border in blocking the fleeing terrorists and eliminating terrorist sanctuaries on Afghan territory," she said. The spokesperson said it was equally essential that effective measures are taken to strengthen border controls and surveillance. She said Pakistan was committed to building friendly relations with Afghanistan, based on the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. She regretted the statement of the new Indian army chief warning Pakistan and termed it "irresponsible". On the topic of Gaza, she said Adviser to Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz would attend Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) executive committee meeting being held on August 12 in Jeddah. The spokesperson condemned yesterday's drone attack and said such attacks should be stopped with immediate effect.