NATIONAL NEWS
ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said on Saturday that Pakistan’s consistent and principled stance on counterterrorism has gained recognition both from the international community and its neighbouring countries.
Speaking to reporters, the minister said that for the first time, Pakistan and Afghanistan have reached a written agreement to create a formal mechanism aimed at addressing key bilateral concerns. The framework for this mechanism, he added, will be finalized during the next round of talks on November 6.
Chaudhry described the development as a diplomatic success for Pakistan, saying that the process has now moved beyond verbal assurances to formal documentation. “It is encouraging to see both global and regional stakeholders acknowledge Pakistan’s principled approach,” he said.
The minister also alleged that Afghanistan has long been used as a proxy by India, claiming that credible evidence exists of terrorist organizations operating from Afghan soil.
He further pointed out that following the first ceasefire between the two countries, the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) publicly declared Kabul as its enemy, which he said reinforced Pakistan’s position regarding the threat emanating from across the border.
Chaudhry emphasized that Pakistan preferred formal agreements to ensure accountability. “If one’s intentions are clean, there should be no objection to putting everything in writing,” he remarked.
He noted that the latest understanding between Pakistan and Afghanistan was reached in written form and witnessed by two mediators, underscoring a new level of seriousness and transparency in bilateral engagement.
