Islamabad, Oct 12
Pakistan summoned the Afghan ambassador to express its strong reservations over the India-Afghanistan joint statement issued in New Delhi on October 10.
The move comes during Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi's ongoing six-day visit to India, which began earlier on Thursday.
In an official statement, the Foreign Office (FO) of Pakistan said that the Additional Foreign Secretary (West Asia & Afghanistan) conveyed Islamabad's deep concerns to the Afghan envoy, particularly regarding the references made to Jammu and Kashmir in the joint statement between New Delhi and Kabul.
“It was conveyed that the reference to Jammu and Kashmir as part of India is in clear violation of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions,†the FO stated, reaffirming Pakistan's long-held stance on the disputed territory.
According to the joint statement, Afghanistan had strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that occurred in April. The statement also expressed solidarity with the people and government of India. Additionally, both India and Afghanistan “unequivocally condemned all acts of terrorism emanating from regional countries†and underscored the importance of fostering peace, mutual trust, and regional stability.
Pakistan also objected to Foreign Minister Muttaqi’s recent comments during his visit, where he described terrorism as an "internal issue" of Pakistan. The FO rejected this assertion, emphasising that the “shifting of responsibility for controlling terrorism onto Pakistan could not absolve the Afghan Interim Government of its obligations to ensure regional peace and stability.â€
Highlighting its humanitarian role, Pakistan reminded that it has hosted nearly four million Afghan refugees for over four decades. The FO noted that with relative peace returning to Afghanistan, it is expected that unauthorised Afghan nationals residing in Pakistan should now return home.
“Like all other countries, Pakistan has the right to regulate the presence of foreign nationals residing inside its territory,†the statement read. It further added that Islamabad continues to issue medical and student visas to Afghan citizens “in the spirit of Islamic brotherhood and good neighbourly relations.â€
Reiterating its policy toward Afghanistan, the FO concluded that Pakistan desires to see a peaceful, stable, regionally connected, and prosperous Afghanistan, and will continue to support efforts that enhance trade, economic cooperation, and connectivity between the two nations.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As someone who has studied South Asian politics, this development shows how regional alliances are shifting. Afghanistan's stance on Kashmir reflects their growing partnership with India, which makes strategic sense given India's economic and development assistance.
Pakistan calling terrorism an "internal issue" of theirs is quite rich considering how they've exported it to their neighbors for decades. The Afghan minister is absolutely right - Pakistan needs to take responsibility for the terrorism emanating from their soil. ðŸ‘
While I support India's position on Kashmir, I wish our government would be more consistent in its foreign policy. Sometimes we talk about non-interference, other times we make strong statements about neighbors. A more principled approach would serve us better in the long run.
Pakistan hosting Afghan refugees for 40 years is commendable, but they can't use that as leverage in diplomatic matters. Every country has the right to regulate foreign nationals on their soil. Hope Afghanistan-India partnership brings some stability to the region. ðŸ¤
Good to see Afghanistan standing with India against terrorism. Pakistan's objection shows their discomfort with growing India-Afghan ties. This partnership is crucial for regional security and economic development. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
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