Foreign Office rejects Afghan remarks, cites rise in militancy

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Foreign Office on Wednesday termed recent statements from Afghanistan “regrettable” and urged Kabul to eliminate militant groups operating from its territory, warning that Islamabad would take all necessary steps to safeguard its security.

At the weekly briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said Pakistan was fully aware of threats emanating from Afghan soil and had the capability to respond decisively to any aggression.

He noted that incidents of militancy had increased since the Taliban regime returned to power in Afghanistan, reiterating that Pakistan’s armed forces remained fully committed to defending the country.

Responding to regional tensions, the spokesperson said Pakistan possessed the ability to give a “befitting response” to any Indian aggression. He described Operation Swift Retort as a historic episode in military affairs, adding that Feb 27 is observed as a day of remembrance for the operation.

Andrabi also said Pakistan was part of international human rights bodies and had active domestic mechanisms to ensure the protection of human rights.

PM concludes Qatar visit; Dar to attend OIC meeting in Jeddah

The Foreign Office confirmed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Doha at the invitation of the Amir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, where both leaders agreed to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including defence collaboration.

The Amir accepted an invitation to visit Pakistan and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar accompanied the prime minister during the visit.

Separately, the FO said Ishaq Dar has travelled to Saudi Arabia to attend a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Executive Committee in Jeddah, where he will remain until Feb 28.

The meeting will review the illegal expansion of Israeli settlements, and Dar is expected to raise concerns over Israeli actions in the occupied West Bank. He will also hold meetings with foreign ministers of various countries on the sidelines and visit Makkah and Madinah during his stay.