ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has asserted that Pakistan possessesthe capability to settle the lingering Afghan border and security issuesthrough military means but deliberately refrains from doing so becauseAfghans are considered brothers of the Pakistani nation.
Speaking at a think-tank seminar on Saturday, Dar said the same armedforces that have repeatedly confronted a much larger Indian militaryestablishment can easily address challenges from across the western border.“We can settle the Afghan issue by force – we simply choose not to fightour own brothers,” the foreign minister declared, underlining Islamabad’spolicy of restraint despite repeated provocations.
He pointed out that Pakistan continues to host millions of Afghan refugeesand maintains an open border policy, actions no country would take towardsan adversary. Dar warned that persistent attacks by Pakistan-focusedterrorist groups operating from Afghan soil, particularly theTehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), are testing national patience.
The minister said recent cross-border incidents and the continued sanctuaryprovided to anti-Pakistan elements have created serious strain in bilateralties with the interim Taliban government. However, he reiterated thatIslamabad still prefers dialogue and diplomatic pressure over kineticoptions, citing shared history, faith and ethnicity between the peoples ofboth countries.
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Analysts interpret the statement as a strong message to Kabul that whilePakistan values fraternal relations, its tolerance is not infinite if coresecurity interests remain threatened. The remarks come amid reneweddiplomatic efforts to convince the Afghan authorities to dismantle TTPsanctuaries and hand over wanted commanders.
Source: www.mofa.gov.pk/press-releases”>https://www.mofa.gov.pk/press-releases
