ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minister (PM) Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar termed the threatening statements of Afghan leaders as sad and said that the terrorism has increased by 60% in Pakistan after Taliban came to power. Illegal immigrants have hand in fomenting  unrest in Pakistan. There was 1.5 lakh Afghan military. Where did its weapon go? American weapons are now being sold in black market and evidence of this has come to fore. Afghan government’s operation against TTP is also in their favor and also in our favor. Whatever happens, the return of illegal immigrants from policy is not possible.

While addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar said that Pakistan has always fully helped Afghanistan whenever any problem came. Pakistan has welcomed 4 million Afghan citizens with an open heart. After the formation of interim government in Afghanistan, a large number of people migrated to Pakistan illegally. 8 lakh Afghan citizens were provided temporary citizenship cards.

Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar said that terrorists have declared war against Pakistan. Terrorists use the territory of Afghanistan. The Afghan Interim Government has been given a clear message to eradicate terrorism from Afghanistan through diplomatic, political, military, formal and informal means.

The Afghan Interim Government was also given a list of terrorists wanted by Pakistan in Afghanistan. Information related to terrorists was also shared with Afghan government but Afghanistan did not take any concrete measurements against Pakistan’s rival terrorists. More than 2 thousand Pakistanis were martyred due to cross-border terrorism in 2 years. 64 Afghan terrorists were killed while fighting with Pakistani Security Forces.

Efforts were made to resolve  such matters through mutual understanding without bringing them to media but when there was no positive response from Afghan government, they decided to resolve matters themselves. On a question regarding recent increase in terrorist incidents on the return of illegally staying Afghans, Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar said that we have some doubts. We are alert and we are considering all aspects. Come what may it is next to impossible to  return from this policy.

Caretaker PM said that escalation of attacks makes sense after recent statements by Afghan leaders. Afghan citizens who are agreed are being sent back with dignity and respect. There is no  kind of pressure from any country on Pakistan. Threatening statements of Afghan leaders are sad. The interim government of Afghanistan should realize that both are sovereign countries. On question regarding cross-border operations in Para Chinar, Caretaker PM said that he has issued instructions to provincial government in this regard. No one will be allowed to operate on a part even an inch.

In response to a question, PM Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar said that 25 thousand data of Afghans is available  in Pakistan who came to Pakistan after establishment of Taliban government in Afghanistan. The countries to which these people have to go are also ready and we are also ready to send them to those countries. Afghanistan is not 5th province but it is separate country. On situation of Gaza Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar said that 1.5 billion Muslims are not satisfied with their assistance.

Women and children are being attacked there. Hospitals are being attacked. The cruelty that is happening there has not happened to anyone in centuries. However a session will be held with Saudi Arabia in this regard. The purpose of which is cease-fire in Gaza and the delivery of food, medicine and other essential goods there. Then we will see what else should be done.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 09 2023

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