Pakistan supports the US initiative to retrieve weapons left in Afghanistan, citing their use by terrorists as a critical security concern. Trump criticizes the withdrawal strategy of the Biden administration, while recent collaborations between the US and Pakistan in security efforts are highlighted. Ongoing tensions with Afghanistan regarding terrorism and border disputes are noted, while Pakistan rebuffs allegations from India about Kashmir.
Pakistan has expressed its support for the Trump administration’s initiative to recover billions of dollars’ worth of weapons left in Afghanistan after the US withdrawal in August 2021. Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan stated that these weapons have been utilized by terrorists within Pakistan, highlighting the regional security concerns and the potential benefits of recovering these arms for overall stability.
President Trump has criticized President Biden’s withdrawal strategy, asserting that it was ill-advised to leave advanced weaponry behind. He has expressed the intention to pursue the return of these weapons. Pakistan’s endorsement of this move is underscored by its own concerns over the usage of US weapons by terrorist organizations.
During media briefings, the spokesperson commented on the Bagram Airbase as a matter solely between Afghanistan and the US, while expressing that recent cooperation demonstrates the enduring ties between Pakistan and the US. Trump acknowledged Pakistan’s role in apprehending a significant Daesh commander linked to a deadly attack in Kabul, with assistance from the CIA and high-level US officials that facilitated the operations.
Shafqat emphasized that the ongoing security collaboration with the US encompasses counterterrorism and intelligence efforts, underscoring continuity without any interruptions. However, he refrained from disclosing specific details regarding sensitive intelligence operations.
On the strained relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, the spokesperson reiterated Islamabad’s aspiration for amicable ties, tempered by the challenges posed by terrorism, particularly from groups like Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. He pointed out longstanding issues with Afghan authorities regarding terrorism and sanctuary operations affecting Pakistan.
Addressing the contentious closure of the Torkham border crossing, the spokesperson rebutted claims attributing this to Pakistan’s unilateral actions. He clarified that recent Afghan construction activities on Pakistani territory and instances of gunfire at border facilities were the true provocations, calling for peaceful resolutions to border disputes as per international law.
Khan categorically rejected allegations from the Afghan Taliban regarding Pakistan’s use of Daesh as a proxy. He asserted that such allegations were unfounded attempts to distract from Afghanistan’s harboring of terrorist factions.
Furthermore, he dismissed remarks by Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar regarding Kashmir, asserting that no process within the Indian Constitution could replace the right to self-determination for Kashmiris. He reaffirmed that the Jammu and Kashmir issue remains an internationally-recognized dispute, requiring resolution according to UN mandates, and urged India to recognize the need for a peaceful settlement.
In summary, Pakistan has shown support for the US to reclaim weapons left in Afghanistan, citing security concerns due to their use by terrorists. The ongoing cooperation between Pakistan and the US in counterterrorism reflects long-standing ties. Additionally, tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan persist due to issues surrounding terrorist sanctuaries, border disputes, and allegations regarding Kashmir, reinforcing the need for peaceful resolutions based on international law.
Original Source: tribune.com.pk
