TALIBAN SEEK SHELTER IN AFGHANISTAN

AFGHANISTAN MUST NOT PROVIDE SHELTER TO FLEEING TALIBAN.

It is hoped that Afghanistan, as per international understanding and bilateral understanding would not allow any terrorists fleeing from tribal areas to be taken refuge on its territory.

According to the foreign office, official, the military action against terrorists is in progress on this side and Pakistan expects the Afghan government and those managing security in Afghanistan to fulfill their responsibility in this regard. Pakistan has assured all its neighbours that it has adopted the policy that its soil should not be used against them and their soil should not be used against Pakistan.

Pakistan and Afghanistan reiterated their commitment at Ankara, that they would not allow their soils to be used against national interests of each other. About terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan, we have raised our concern with the countries concerned and hope they would take it seriously. Pakistan has repeatedly emphasized the need for better border management.

Another side, about the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project, the Iran has not been able to meet its obligations with regard to provision of credit line to Pakistan for the completion of this project due to international sanctions.

Any company or consortium too has not evinced interest in getting involved in the project due to sanctions. It is hoped that the process is still under way between Iran and International powers to resolve the issue through negotiations and then Pakistan can move ahead on the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project.

Pakistan intends to supply arms to Syrian rebels. But this peculation was rejected. Pakistan sells arms to states and not entities and that too strictly in accordance with the principles and purposes of the UN Charter, under the recognition of the right of states to protect their security reaffirmation of rights of states to self-defence and observing relevant national laws and regulations on export of conventional arms.

Pakistan is persistently and strongly opposed to regime change from outside through any means. Pakistan respects territorial integrity and sovereignty of Syria and believes in the policy of respect for human rights but stopping of bloodshed their and welcomes Syrian accession to Chemical Weapons Convention.