Terrorist outfits producing instability, joint action needed: Pakistan

KABUL: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday made it clear that the terrorist organisations were causing violence and instability, as he stressed the need for tackling them through joint efforts.

Naqvi made these remarks during a meeting with his Afghan counterpart Sirajuddin Haqqani after he arrived in Kabul for holding talks on security issues. He was accompanied by Pakistan’s Special representative for Afghanistan Mohammad Sadiq and several other security officials.

The two sides especially focused on counterterrorism efforts and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), as Islamabad has been highlighting the fact that the banned outfit is operating from Afghanistan to carryout attacks in Pakistan.

At the same time, subjects like effective border management as well as organised movement of people and drug trafficking were also on the agenda.

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PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE

Meanwhile, Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to strengthen cooperation to uproot terrorism and ensure Pak-Afghan border management in an effective manner.

As the two sides stressed the need for peaceful coexistence, stability and cooperation, Naqvi and Haqqani also discussed the repatriation of the Afghans living illegally in Pakistan.

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In this connection, the interior minister reminded the host that Pakistan accommodated millions of Afghans for decade and they could still enter the country legally.

RISING TERRORISM

Sources said as the talks focused on Islamabad’s concerns at a spike in violence in parts of the country, the Pakistani delegation sought Haqqani’s help to counter the security threats.

Haqqani, one of the influential Taliban leaders within the Taliban system, was host to the negotiations between Pakistan and the leaders of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan in late 2021.

It is believed that the visit was planned after the deadly attack on security forces in Mir Ali, North Waziristan, on June 28. The attack, claimed by a three-faction alliance led by Hafiz Gul Bahadur, had martyred 13 soldiers.

Security officials insist that leaders of the Pakistani armed groups are based in Afghanistan, the charges denied by the Afghan Taliban.

WHAT DID HAQQNI SAY?

During the talks, Haqqani emphasized that trust is the key to resolving issues between Pakistan and Afghanistan

“Every problem can be solved through the creation of an atmosphere of mutual confidence,” an Afghan interior ministry’s statement quoted Haqqani as saying in the meeting.

He underscored the importance of ensuring respectful treatment and necessary facilitation for Afghan refugees and detainees.

We are two neighboring Muslim nations with many shared values; we have ample reasons to build a strong foundation for positive engagement.”