ISLAMABAD: Afghanistan the other day handed over a list mentioning the number of militants affiliated with the Afghan Taliban and 32 militant hideouts, operating on Pakistani soil.
This list has been handed over a couple of days after Pakistan army summoned Afghan diplomats to its headquarters, demanding action against Afghanistan based militants involved in carrying out attacks in Pakistan.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, the list was handed over to Pakistani authorities through afghan ambassador to Pakistan, seeking action against militants operating on Pakistani soil.
“Today the Ministry of Foreign Affairs gave a list of 32 terrorist training centres that are operating on Pakistani soil against Afghanistan to Pakistani authorities through Afghan ambassador to Islamabad and asked for immediate actions against these centres,” said the statement.
“The government of Afghanistan emphasises that if violence continues against the people of Afghanistan, it will continue its efforts to increase sanctions against all terrorist groups and their supporters through international mechanisms, especially the United Nations,” the statement noted.
On the other hand, Afghan Ambassador to Islamabad Dr Omar Zakhiwal, mentioned on social media that on Monday he had a “very positive” meeting with Pakistan Foreign Affairs Adviser, Sartaj Aziz and a “constructive” talk with the GHQ (Army headquarters); after which he expects quick de-escalation of the current tension and creation of a more positive environment for responding to each other’s concerns in a co-operative manner.
While talking to the media, Sartaj Aziz confirmed that a list was handed over to the military command by the Afghan diplomat, adding that overall security situation in the region and the border issues were discussed during his meeting with Zakhiwal.
The demand from Kabul comes after the Pakistani military targeted militant hideouts near the Afghan border, killing dozens of militants and destroying many of their hideouts.
