Pakistan Rejects Afghan Allegations, Reaffirms Right to Self-Defence

Pakistan has the right to defend itself and does not need anyone’s permission to do so, Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said, rejecting the allegations made by Afghanistan as baseless and misleading.

Speaking at the weekly press briefing, he expressed deep concern over the aggression of Fitna-tul-Khawarij and Fitna-tul-Hind. The spokesperson said Pakistan exercised its right to self-defence in response to Afghanistan’s aggression while ensuring that no civilians were targeted.

He reaffirmed that Pakistan would continue to take all possible measures to protect its national sovereignty.

Shafqat Ali Khan dismissed the statements made by Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, saying his allegations were contrary to facts. He added that Pakistan expects the Afghan Taliban to prevent their soil from being used for terrorism.

The Foreign Office made it clear that Pakistan desires a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Afghanistan. Shafqat Ali Khan said Pakistan has repeatedly provided evidence of terrorism to the Afghan interim government, rejecting Amir Khan Muttaqi’s claim that terrorism is an internal issue of Pakistan.

When asked about the Doha talks, the spokesperson said he had no information on the matter. He also said India’s negative role continues to affect the entire South Asian region and noted the remarks made by India’s Ministry of External Affairs.