National Security Adviser Dr Moeed Yusuf has said that Pakistan and the United States have agreed to continue with the Afghan peace process to ensure lasting stability in Afghanistan as “any instability in Afghanistan will lead to rebirth of various terrorist groups there which can create problems for the world and Pakistan.”
Interacting with Pakistani media in Washington, he said there is a need to work jointly to avert any security vacuum in Afghanistan.
“We have repeatedly said that Afghan soil is being used against Pakistan which needs to be stopped,” he said.
Moeed said the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has established sanctuaries in Afghanistan which is a threat to Pakistan. “Besides, there may be some groups which can target other countries as well which is a matter of concern for the United States too,” he continued.
Regarding his engagements with US officials, the advisor said both Pakistan and the US are unanimous that there should be peace in Afghanistan and both are discussing technicalities to achieve this objective.
“Pakistan has played its due role and will continue to do so for peace in Afghanistan. The US is an important player and will remain so for stability in Afghanistan,” Moeed added.
Replying to a question, Moeed said Islamabad would react if any country attempted to use Afghan soil to destabilise Pakistan. “Use of Afghan soil to undermine Pakistan is not acceptable. It is a well-known fact that who is involved in carrying out subversive acts against Pakistan from Afghanistan,” he stated.
The NSA urged all the stakeholders to make sincere efforts to avert any protracted conflict or civil war in Afghanistan. Any decision should be taken keeping in view the ground realities.
He said that there is a general consensus that any military takeover in Afghanistan is unacceptable. “Military takeover is against the democratic norms and human rights and no country, especially Pakistan, can afford a civil war at its doorsteps,” Moeed continued.
He said that under the current arrangements, Afghanistan’s exports through Pakistan are continuing without any bar. Indian goods bound for Afghanistan are also being allowed through Karachi Port. However, transit of goods from India to Afghanistan via land route through Pakistan is not allowed due to security concerns.
The NSA said Pakistan has the right under the international law to stop movement of goods through its territory if it feels any threat to its security as it is a known fact that India does not let any chance go to create instability in Pakistan.
“Despite all this, Pakistan has tried its best to improve bilateral relations with India and both the countries can live like civilised neighbours. Unfortunately, India at present is being ruled by an ideologically motivated government that actively pursues Hindutva ideology,” he said.
Regarding repatriation of Afghan refugees living in Pakistan, he said Pakistan wants dignified return of refugees to their homeland. No country has extended generous hospitality towards Afghan refugees more than Pakistan, Moeed concluded.
