Pakistan has categorically rejected baseless allegations made by Afghan Vice President accusing Pakistan of supporting Afghan Taliban.
Afghan Vice President Amrullah Saleh had hurled baseless allegations against Pakistan accusing Pakistan Air Force (PAF) of threatening Afghan Army and Afghan Air Force of retaliation in case of any airstrike against Afghan Taliban in Spin Boldar area along Pak-Afghan border.
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“Pakistan air force has issued official warning to the Afghan Army and Air Force that any move to dislodge the Taliban from Spin Boldak area will be faced and repelled by the Pakistan Air Force. Pak air force is now providing close air support to Taliban in certain areas,” tweeted Afghan Vice President Amrullah Saleh.
In a statement, Foreign Office (FO), had turned downed the false claims made by the Afghan Vice President Amrullah Saleh.
The FO noted that Pakistan Air Force never communicated anything to the Afghan Air Force. Such statements undermine Pakistan’s sincere efforts to play its part in an Afghan owned and Afghan led solution.
The Afghan side conveyed to Pakistan its intention of carrying out air operation inside its territory opposite Chaman Sector of Pakistan. Pakistan responded positively to Afghan Government’s right to act in its territory, said the statement issued by FO.
Inspite of very close border operations normally not acceded to by internationally accepted norms/standards/procedures, Pakistan took necessary measures within its territory to safeguard our own troops and population, it added.
Furthermore, Pakistan has stressed that it remains committed to peace in Afghanistan and shall continue to endeavor towards this end irrespective of the detractors.
Acknowledging Afghan Government’s right to undertake actions on its sovereign territory, FO accentuated that Pakistan lately rescued 40 ANDSF all ranks who fled to Pakistan and returned them to GIORA with respect and dignity, with a declared offer to ANDSF to provide all logistical support as requested.
Pakistan has maintained that its imperative that at this critical juncture, all energies are focused on achieving an inclusive, broad-based and comprehensive political settlement in Afghanistan.
