ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the European Union, in a joint statement from Brussels, urged Afghanistan to take firm action against terrorist groups operating from its soil and to ensure the protection of human rights.
The statement was issued during the seventh Pakistan-EU Strategic Dialogue, co-chaired by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and the EU’s High Representative Kaja Kallas.
According to the Foreign Office, both leaders discussed Islamabad-Kabul relations in light of recent border tensions and reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace, stability, prosperity, and resolving issues with neighboring countries through dialogue.
Both sides called on Afghanistan’s de facto authorities to play a constructive role in achieving the shared goal of eliminating terrorism originating from Afghan territory.
The two leaders expressed concern over Afghanistan’s deteriorating socio-economic conditions and reiterated their support for a peaceful, stable, and sovereign Afghanistan.
They also hoped that Kabul would back a credible political process aligned with the UN-led Doha framework and the commitments made by the Taliban to the international community.
The EU appreciated Pakistan for hosting millions of Afghan refugees for decades but emphasized that their return must be safe, dignified, and compliant with international standards.
Both parties further urged Afghan authorities to guarantee human rights, especially the rights of women, children, and vulnerable groups.
It is worth mentioning that the Indian-sponsored militants of Fitna al Khawarij have launched several militant-attacks in KP and Balochistan in the past many years.
All such terror groups are funded, trained and backed by India and have their havens and hideouts in Afghanistan.
Pakistan has stressed on Afghanistan to ensure that the militant groups do not use the Afghan soil to launch attacks on the Pakistani territory.
However, no serious measures have been taken by the Afghan government against the Indian-sponsored militants so far.
Pakistan has made it clear that further incidents of militancy will not be tolerated and Pakistan will give a befitting response over it.
