Pakistan asks Taliban to rein in terror networks | The Express Tribune

ISLAMABAD:

The Taliban regime should not allow its land to be used for terrorism against other countries and it should focus on formation of an inclusive and truly representative government, instead of engaging in baseless propaganda, the Foreign Office spokesperson said on Monday.

In a statement, he said, “We have noted the recent statements made by the spokesperson of the Taliban regime regarding Pakistan’s internal affairs.”

“We strongly encourage the Afghan spokesperson to prioritise issues pertinent to Afghanistan and refrain from commenting on matters outside their jurisdiction,” he said, adding, “The principle of non-interference in matters of other countries should be adhered to as per international diplomatic norms. Pakistan does not require outside advice on its internal matters.”

He said, “We also expect the Taliban regime to abide by its obligations and promises made to the international community during Doha Process.”

Calls for restraint

The clashes have drawn the attention of US President Donald Trump, who said he would focus on it soon. “I hear there’s a war now going on between Pakistan and Afghanistan,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One as he flew from Washington to Israel on Sunday as part of his efforts to end the Gaza war.

“I said, I’ll have to wait till I get back. You know, I’m doing another one, because I’m good at solving wars, I’m good at making peace,” Trump said.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday expressed concern over the weekend border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, and urged the two neighbouring countries to resolve their differences peacefully.

“We are monitoring the situation between Afghanistan and Pakistan with concern,” UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Aziz Haq said in response to a question at the regular noon briefing at UN Headquarters in New York.

“We want to make sure that the two countries are able to work out their differences in a peaceful manner and that further clashes are avoided,” Farhan Haq added.

Asked whether the UN chief had contacted the leadership of the two countries, Farhan Haq said that he was traveling and was now in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, attending the Gaza Peace Summit, and would do so on return to New York.

China

China said it was very concerned about the latest clashes. “China is willing to continue to play a constructive role in improving and developing Pakistan-Afghanistan relations,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said during a regular press briefing in Beijing on Monday.

Russia

Russia has been following with concern the reports of border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, and it has called on Kabul and Islamabad to exercise restraint, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Monday.

“According to the incoming information, the situation is stabilising. We welcome this process,” it added in a statement.

(With additional input from Agencies)