Pakistan urges Afghan govt to act against TTP, other terrorist groups

Pakistan has called on the Afghan government to take action against terrorist groups operating from its territory, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), according to Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan.

Speaking at a weekly briefing, the spokesperson said that the issue of cross-border terrorism has been raised with Afghan authorities on multiple occasions. He reaffirmed that Pakistan respects Afghanistan’s sovereignty but expects that Afghan soil will not be used against Pakistan

The spokesperson also condemned the Israeli attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla. He said that former Senator Mushtaq Ahmed has been released from Israeli custody and acknowledged the role of Qatar, Egypt and Saudi Arabia in facilitating the ceasefire agreement

Shafqat Ali Khan said that Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart to discuss the enhancement of bilateral relations. He said that in a separate development, Dar also contacted his Saudi counterpart to discuss the situation in Gaza, the response from Hamas, and matters relating to peace in the region.

Speaking about the Saudi delegation’s visit to Pakistan, the FO spokesperson said that Saudi-Pakistan Joint Business Council Chairman Prince Mansour bin Mohammad Al Saud has arrived in Islamabad, accompanied by a large Saudi delegation, adding that the talks were focused on trade, investment, and Pakistan’s economic development