Closure of terrorist sanctuaries will be effective through genuine cooperation by Pakistan: Afghan Ministry

As Afghan and Pakistan security forces maintain their stance at the Durand Line, Afghanistan has said that the closure of terrorist sanctuaries will be effective and beneficial through genuine cooperation and the use of Afghanistan-Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS).

Afghanistan Foreign Ministry, in a statement, has denied the allegation by Pakistan that Afghan forces are carrying out alleged attacks on the Banshahi-Dir area north of the Durand line.

Earlier, the Pakistani military had said that their soldiers suffered casualties in firing from across the Line of Durand with Afghanistan. Pakistan Foreign Ministry statement accused Afghan border security forces of facilitating the attackers.

“Pakistan strongly condemns this unprovoked, aggressive action by Afghan forces and the evident support provided to the terrorists,” said the statement.

Denying the allegations, Afghanistan Foreign Ministry said that Afghanistan is the main victim of terrorism from terrorist hideouts in the region.

“The Government of Afghanistan considers the closure of terrorist sanctuaries to be effective and beneficial through genuine cooperation and the use of Afghanistan-Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS) bilateral mechanisms to truly fight common threats,” it said.

Established in May 2018, the APAPPS framework provides a comprehensive and structured mechanism to enhance engagement between counterpart institutions of the two countries.

The ministry further said that Kabul has always insisted that no terrorist group should be allowed to use Afghan territory against Pakistan or other countries.

“The fight and dedication of the Afghan security forces against terrorism is a clear example of the true struggle of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan against terrorism,” the statement said.