Intelligence-based operation conducted against terrorists in Afghanistan. Foreign Office

 The operation was carried out on the basis of threats to the security of Pakistani citizens. Pakistan has always prioritized dialogue in matters related to relations with Afghanistan. Briefing by Mumtaz Zahra Baloch

Thursday, December 26, 2024

Islamabad (UrduPoint News Today - 26th December, 2024) The Pakistani Foreign Office has confirmed that Pakistan has carried out an intelligence-based operation against terrorists in Afghanistan in view of the threats to the security of its citizens.

Responding to a question during a briefing in Islamabad, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said that Pakistan is united for its people, Pakistan had carried out an operation in the border areas of Afghanistan. She clarified that the intelligence-based operation was carried out on the basis of threats to the security of Pakistani citizens. However, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch emphasized that Pakistan has always preferred dialogue in matters related to relations with Afghanistan, we respect the integrity and sovereignty of Afghanistan.

The Foreign Office spokesperson said that the protection of its citizens is Pakistan’s top priority, there are threats to Pakistan and its citizens from terrorist elements. He said that Pakistan is committed to the security of its people. It should be remembered that relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan are tense due to continuous border clashes. Islamabad repeatedly demands that Kabul take action against the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) which uses Afghan soil for attacks in Pakistan. Kabul denies these allegations.

The statement by the Foreign Office spokesperson was the first official statement from the government on the matter, coming after Pakistan carried out airstrikes in the neighboring country on Tuesday, in which security officials said several suspected terrorists were targeted. Pakistani security officials said late Tuesday night that fighter jets bombed four alleged TTP camps in Afghanistan’s eastern Paktika province, targeting several suspected terrorists. The Afghan Taliban government then lodged a strong protest with Islamabad over the airstrike and warned that Afghanistan’s territorial sovereignty was a “red line” for the ruling Islamic Emirate.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said in the briefing that we extend our best wishes to the people of Pakistan for the New Year 2025. 2024 has been a very active year for Pakistan. Relations with other countries including Azerbaijan, Belarus, China, Belgium, Malaysia, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Samawa, Turkmenistan, Turkey and the United Kingdom have improved significantly.

Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said that President Asif Ali Zardari attended the World Forum on Civilization to be held in Turkmenistan in October. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif visited Azerbaijan, China, Iran, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE and other countries. She said that the Foreign Minister also visited friendly countries. During these visits, agreements were reached on improving mutual relations and adopting a common position on various global issues and investment.

The spokesperson said that in 2024, the leadership of China, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Malaysia, Mongolia, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and other countries visited Pakistan, UN officials also visited Pakistan, during which many issues were discussed. Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said that Pakistan hosted the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) conference, Pakistan further strengthened its partnership with friendly countries. The Prime Minister went to China, while the Chinese Prime Minister also came to Pakistan, during which discussions and measures were discussed to further strengthen bilateral relations and further strengthen the strategic partnership.

He said that friendly countries Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar have announced investments in Pakistan. The spokesperson said that Pakistan has also focused its attention on the region and has signed MoUs and agreements with friendly countries to increase cooperation in many areas.