Foreign Office Thursday said that the "enemy" is taking advantage of turmoil in Afghanistan and using its soil to launch terrorist attacks on Pakistan's soil and emphasised effective border management to stop cross-border terrorists' infiltration.
In his weekly media briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson, Nafees Zakaria, said the Indian involvement in terrorism in Pakistan is well known, adding confessions of Kulbhushan Yadav, the arrested Indian RAW's operative and Swami Aseemanand, a former Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activist, are manifestation of the fact of Indian involvement in terrorism in Pakistan.
Commenting on Indian Home Minister's statement, who described the arrest of Hafiz Saeed as `sham' and an `eye-wash', Zakaria said that Indian attempts to play the victim would have credibility if Indian allegations were not motivated by the desire to malign Pakistan, while India's own record was clean. "Pakistan is fighting terrorism like no other country has done. India needs introspection. India must realise that peace in the region is in India's own interest, as well," he said, adding Pakistan is a victim of terrorism and has suffered hugely, both in terms of human and economic losses.
Asked if India is behind the recent spate of terror attacks to scuttle the upcoming ECO summit in Islamabad, Zakaria declined to give any response prior to completion of the probe, saying concerned authorities are conducting investigations into the latest terrorist attacks.
"We do not want to give knee jerk reaction. We do not believe in rhetoric, though Indian involvement in terrorism and terror financing in Pakistan to destabilise the country is a well-proven fact," he added. He said that the 13th ECO Summit will be held next week in Islamabad and almost all the ECO members have confirmed participation at high political level.
To another query about exchange of lists between Pakistan and Afghanistan regarding presence of terrorists in each other's countries, he said that terrorism is a common enemy affecting both the countries. During Afghan Ambassador's recent call on the prime minister's adviser on foreign affairs, he said the Afghan side assured of Afghanistan's full co-operation, adding the meeting was held in a very positive environment and both the sides agreed that meaningful engagement is imperative for addressing the challenge of cross-border terrorism.
He further said that both the sides also recognised the need for a constructive government-to-government interaction as an imperative, adding that the effective border management is important to ensure preventing cross-border movement of terrorists. "We hope for strengthening of bilateral co-operation in all areas, including political, security, economic and humanitarian field," he added.
He said the issues between Pakistan and Afghanistan are required to be addressed through constructive and positive engagement between the two governments. He said that Pakistan has continued to maintain and emphasise that effective border management is vital for preventing cross-border movement of terrorists. "Pakistan is ready to work with Afghanistan on those issues in a spirit of mutual respect, trust and co-operation," he added.
About the reopening of Pak-Afghan border which has been closed since recent terror attacks, he said that decision regarding reopening of the Pak-Afghan border will be taken in due course of time. On situation in Afghanistan, he said Pakistan has remained committed to Afghan peace and stability. "We believe Quadrilateral Coordination Group (QCG) is an important mechanism, which has done significant ground work for preparation of roadmap for Afghan peace process," he said, adding Pakistan has, therefore, continued to emphasise the need for working together in the QCG for the objective of lasting peace in Afghanistan.
He added that it seems that finally Afghanistan is also enunciating its willingness to move forward through the QCG and address the important issues of peace and security through this process. "We believe that such an approach would augur well for peace and security of Afghanistan and the region," he added.
On the issue of Afghan refugees, he said that Pakistan has continued to host millions of Afghan refugees in Pakistan with dignity and honour for the past four decades. Recently, he added that the prime minister has extended the stay of Afghan refugees till December 31, 2017 while a package for visa facilitation for Afghan businessmen, students and patients has also been approved.
To another query regarding talks of Indian foreign secretary with Chinese authorities, he declined to comment on bilateral relations of other countries, saying, "I would restrict myself to saying that we do not comment on the bilateral relations of two countries." However, he said that China has already explained its position about the CPEC and Masood Azhar, chief of Jaish-e- Mohammad.