Islamabad: Afghan soil militants bar normal relations
Islamabad’s information ministry rejected Taliban claims that Pakistan lacks will for talks, saying attacks from Afghan soil remain the core dispute.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said Saturday that the Taliban’s failure to act against militants operating from Afghan territory is the main obstacle to normal relations.
The statement answered Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid’s claim that Islamabad is unwilling to settle differences through dialogue.
The ministry called terrorism a red line and said the security of Pakistani citizens is non-negotiable.
Islamabad said it would not tolerate cross-border militant sanctuaries and reserved the right to take necessary measures under international law.
Pakistan has long accused the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan of using Afghan territory; the Taliban authorities deny Afghan soil is used against other countries.