Responding to the recent allegations of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, the Foreign Office had once again clarified that Pakistan does not differentiate between terrorist groups and is making serious efforts for Afghan peace. The foreign office spokesperson has further made it clear that Pakistan itself is the biggest victim of terrorism in which thousands of its security personnel and civilians have sacrificed their lives. Despite this Pakistan is making serious efforts for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. Pakistan hosted the first round of direct talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban; however. Despite Pakistan’s sincere efforts for peace in the region allegations are often hurled at Pakistan from the Afghan side. A few days ago Afghan President Ashraf Ghani asked Pakistan to ‘battle’ the Taliban instead of trying to bring them to the peace talks. It is highly unfortunate considering Pakistan is not only trying its best to ensure that peace returns to Afghanistan but it has also hosted millions of Afghan refuges for years. Moreover, it is Pakistan that has suffered the most as a result of the instability in Afghanistan. Even more unfortunate is the fact that most of the terrorist activities in Pakistan can be traced to Afghanistan. In January it emerged that terrorists who attacked the Bacha Khan University were receiving instructions from elements in Afghanistan during the attack. Despite Pakistan’s repeated requests the Afghan government has failed to clamp down on elements that harbor anti-Pakistan designs and use the Afghan soil for carrying out terrorist activities in Pakistan. Pakistan remains committed to peace in the region and expects its neighbors to do the same.
Baseless allegations against Pakistan must come to an end.
