Islamabad, October 16 (KNS): Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said Pakistan is ready to hold talks with Afghanistan, but only on “legitimate and mutually respectful conditions” following the recent border clashes between the two countries.
Speaking at a federal cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister said Pakistan agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire at Afghanistan’s request and now it is up to Kabul to decide the next course of action through peaceful means.
“We are ready to engage in dialogue with Afghanistan under legitimate conditions. We told our brotherly neighbour that we seek peace through mutual consultation and cooperation,” Sharif said.
He said Pakistan had consistently shown restraint and made several efforts to maintain peace. Senior officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, visited Kabul multiple times to convey Pakistan’s desire for peace and regional stability, he added.
“Unfortunately, despite all efforts, the Taliban government in Afghanistan did not prioritise peace and chose the path of aggression,” the Prime Minister said.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelHe added that Pakistan was left with no option but to launch retaliatory action after repeated provocations.
Sharif alleged that the attacks from Afghanistan took place “at India’s behest,” noting that Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi was in Delhi when the assaults began. He also mentioned that the Emir of Qatar, during talks with him in Egypt, had condemned the episode and offered to help reduce tensions between the two neighbours.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan was compelled to act against terrorist activities being carried out from Afghan soil, which had resulted in the loss of innocent lives and security personnel. He said Islamabad had repeatedly raised these concerns through diplomatic channels, but without any meaningful response from Kabul.
Both countries agreed to a temporary ceasefire on Wednesday, though each side claimed it was requested by the other.
Sharif reiterated that Pakistan continues to prefer dialogue and cooperation over confrontation but would not compromise on its security and sovereignty.
Courtsey The Hindu