MONITORING (SW) – The United States has made it clear that Pakistani people have suffered from terrorist attacks and Pakistan has a right to defend itself from terrorism.
The remarks were made in response to a question during the course of press briefing by State Department Spokesperson Ned Price here on Tuesday.
The spokesperson was asked that Pakistan announced it would carry out attack inside Afghanistan because Afghan Taliban encouraged Pakistani Taliban to do something in their country, and that “Taliban say we didn’t see anything and do agreement. We didn’t see anything about human right. That’s why they didn’t pay attention. They say we follow sharia law. They never change ideology. Taliban is kind of ideology. What will be your next action, United State and Europe?”
The State Department Spokesperson said “we’re aware of the recent statement by the Pakistani National Security Committee. The Pakistani people have suffered tremendously from terrorist attacks. Pakistan has a right to defend itself from terrorism.”
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has conveyed to the leadership of Pakistan that promoting mistrust is in no one’s interests.
Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesman of the Islamic Emirate, has issued a statement titled: “Statements of the Spokesman of the Islamic Emirate in connection with the relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan”. It said that the government of the Islamic Emirate wants “good relations with the spirit of good neighborliness” with all neighboring countries including Pakistan.
The statement came amid a spike in attacks by the militant Pakistani Taliban, many of whom are said to be hiding in neighboring Afghanistan. The attacks are on the rise across Pakistan, especially in the northwest near the Afghan border, reported VOA.
The announcement came at the end of a lengthy meeting of Pakistan’s National Security Committee, which was attended by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, the newly appointed army chief General Asim Munir and other officials.
According to a government statement, the committee vowed that there will be “zero tolerance for terrorism in Pakistan” and that militants will be dealt with using the “full force of the state.”
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