FO rejects Kabul's remarks on presence of TTP in Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office of Pakistan rejected on Monday the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ statement about proscribed Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan’s (TTP) activities in Afghanistan.

“The assertions of the Afghan side are contrary to facts on ground and various reports of the United Nations, which also corroborate the presence and activities of over 5000-strong TTP in Afghanistan,” spokesperson Zahid Hafiz Chuadhry said.

Over last many years, he said the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has launched several gruesome terrorist attacks inside Pakistan using the Afghan soil without any retribution from its hosts.

“The 12th Report of the United Nations Monitoring Team, issued in June 2021, acknowledges TTP’s “distinctive anti-Pakistan objectives” and notes its location within Afghanistan “near the border with Pakistan,” the spokesperson pointed out.

“The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), following its orchestrated reunification with its splinter groups with the help of Hostile Intelligence Agencies (HIAs), continued its presence in Afghanistan with impunity and its cross-border attacks against Pakistan pose persistent threat to our security and stability.”

Zahid Hafiz Chuadhry said Pakistan’s commitment to fighting terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, without any discrimination is unwavering and unambiguous.

“Pakistan has continued to emphasize the need for meaningful engagement with Afghan side for addressing security and terrorism issues through effective use of Afghanistan-Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS).”

“Pakistan has been making serious and sincere efforts for facilitating intra-Afghan peace process for an inclusive political settlement. We hope that Afghans would seize this opportunity for achieving lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan.”