ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office on Monday summoned the Afghan Chargé d’Affaires and, while issuing “a strong demarche”, clearly told him that the ‘mastermind’ of the recent vehicle-borne IED ‘cowardly’ attack carried out by Fitna al-Khawarij (TTP) on a police post in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu District, which martyred 15 police constables, was present inside Afghanistan.
“The ministry conveyed that a detailed investigation into the incident on May 9, along with evidence collected and technical intelligence, indicates that the attack was masterminded by terrorists residing in Afghanistan,” said the Foreign Office.
Four police constables and a civilian were also injured in the suicide attack when terrorists rammed an explosives laden vehicle into the Fateh Khel police post, while also using drones and heavy weaponry.
Reiterating Pakistan’s grave concern over the continued use of Afghan soil for terrorist attacks against Pakistan, it was impressed upon the Afghan side that Pakistan reserves the right to respond decisively against the perpetrators of this barbaric act.
“The Afghan Taliban regime has also been categorically informed that, if it continues to harbour these terrorist organisations, Pakistan will not compromise on its national security or on the safety and protection of its citizens,” the Afghan diplomat was warned.
The Foreign Office once again reminded Kabul, that Pakistan has also constructively engaged with the Afghan Taliban regime through several rounds of talks mediated by brotherly and friendly countries. However, the Afghan Taliban have consistently failed to commit to, or deliver, meaningful and verifiable action against these terrorist outfits.
Pakistan maintains that it is not alone in charging the Kabul regime for continued terrorist attacks from inside Afghanistan. “The continued presence of various terrorist organisations on Afghan soil, and the permissive environment enabling their operations, have been well documented in reports by the UN Monitoring Team and other international organisations. The fight against terrorism is a common cause, and the Afghan Taliban must honour their commitment not to allow their territory to be used for terrorism against other countries,” added the Foreign Office.
Meanwhile, on Sunday Pakistan’s Ambassador Ubaid-ur-Rehman, speaking in Kabul also addressed the Afghan regime and reminded them that they were bound to take “practical steps” against the emerging terrorist threats from their own soil.
While speaking at a ceremony to mark the first anniversary of the “Bunyan-um-Mar oo ”, the ambassador said that Pakistan no doubt is committed to fraternal relations with Afghanistan, but it was essential that the Afghan regime take “practical” steps against the emerging terrorist threats from inside Afghanistan.
Earlier, a day after Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif announced that Pakistan had received an Iranian response through diplomatic channels for the United States, the US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A Baker called on Deputy Prime Minister/ Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
The prime minister had also pointed out that Pakistan was continuing its efforts to encourage dialogue between the two sides. The Foreign Office in a statement acknowledged that Dar and Natalie discussed the evolving regional situation and the broader Pakistan-US bilateral relationship.
“The foreign minister highlighted Pakistan’s role in facilitating communication between US and Iran, while expressing hope that ongoing diplomatic efforts would contribute to peace and stability in the region and beyond,” said the Foreign Office.
The meeting took place in the background of President Trump rejecting the Iranian response to the latest US proposal saying it was “unacceptable “. Another issue of importance discussed between the two was related 11 Pakistanis and 20 Iranians aboard a vessel seized by the United States and currently near Singaporean waters.
“The foreign minister appreciated the ongoing US assistance in the repatriation of Pakistani and Iranian seafarers through Singapore,” added the statement. But there were no details of any assistance from the US in this matter in the meeting.
Dar last Friday, had said that he had spoken with Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and requested the country’s support in facilitating the “welfare and repatriation” of 11 Pakistanis and 20 Iranians aboard vessels seized by the United States.
Monday also saw UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for the Middle East Conflict, Jean Arnault, calling on DPM Dar. “Arnault conveyed UN Secretary General’s deep appreciation for Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts for regional peace and stability, and expressed UN’s continued support in that regard. The foreign minister discussed latest regional developments with the Personal Envoy, and highlighted Pakistan’s ongoing efforts and continued engagement with the parties,” said the Foreign Office after the meeting.
Also Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud in a phone call with Dar appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role and reiterated support for Islamabad’s efforts aimed at promoting regional peace and stability, particularly in the context of ongoing engagement between Iran and the United States.
