Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi has said that unprovoked attacks were carried out on Pakistani areas from Afghan soil during October, to which Pakistan responded forcefully and effectively.
He clarified in his weekly press briefing that Pakistan will take every possible step for its territorial integrity, sovereignty and protection of its people.
The spokesperson said that Pakistan wants peace but will not tolerate aggression or provocation. He said that despite the increasing tension on the Pak-Afghan border, Pakistan has shown restraint and responsibility, but any attack in the future will be responded to with the same severity.
He said that the second round of talks between Pakistan and the Afghan interim government in Istanbul has concluded, in which Pakistan adopted a serious and positive attitude. Pakistan reiterated its stance that Afghan soil should not be used for terrorism.
He said that Pakistan has provided evidence to the Afghan authorities about the activities of terrorist organisations for the last four years, but despite assurances, attacks have increased.
The spokesperson added that a joint statement was issued after recent meetings between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, in which both countries expressed their commitment to peace and stability in the region. Pakistan hopes that Afghanistan will not allow its soil to be used against Pakistan.
He said that Pakistan hopes for positive progress in the talks to be held on November 6 and appreciates the constructive role of Qatar and Turkey in this regard.
According to Tahir Andrabi, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, along with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and a high-level delegation, visited Saudi Arabia from October 27 to 29.
The Prime Minister attended the Future Investment Initiative Forum, which was attended by world leaders, investors and policymakers.
During the visit, the Prime Minister had an important meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in which it was agreed to launch a framework for economic cooperation between the two countries.
The spokesperson said that this framework is being created to increase investment in sectors such as energy, industry, mining, IT, agriculture and tourism.
The spokesperson said that Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar met with the Saudi Minister of Defense and the Algerian Foreign Minister, in which bilateral relations and investment were discussed.
He further said that contact was also made with the Turkish Foreign Minister, in which the situation in Gaza was discussed and Ishaq Dar was invited to attend the Istanbul meeting.
The Foreign Office Spokesperson said that Pakistan will continue to provide political, diplomatic and moral support to the people of occupied Kashmir.
He said that India’s illegal occupation has been going on for 78 years and the Kashmiri people should be given the right to self-determination in accordance with the UN resolutions.
