ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has expressed its deep concerns, apprehensions
over sanctuaries, safe havens of terrorists on Afghan side of border,
from where regular attacks were being launched on Pakistan.
Briefing
the media at weekly briefing at Foreign office on Thursday, the
spokesperson Tehmina Janjua also informed that Pakistani authorities
had taken up the issue with Afghan government and NATO/ISAF
authorities, impressing the fact that terrorists were enemies of both
Pakistan and Afghanistan. She also rejected the recent statement of
American Defense minister Leon Paneta, as being out of context of
reality, citing major countless sacrifices being rendered by Pakistan
in war against terrorism, as Pakistan was a frontline ally here.
Citing
the strategic partnership between both countries, she stressed that
unilateral action against terrorism was not essential, and advance
intelligence sharing for high-value targets was essential.
Replying
to a question regarding drone attacks, she also declared drone attacks
as detrimental to sovereignty of Pakistan and said that Pakistan had a
well-defined policy regarding these drone attacks, legislated jointly
by Parliament.
Replying to a question regarding securing the
release of Pakistani school children, abducted by Afghan terrorists,
she said that Afghanistan was a good friend of Pakistan, and both
countries were making unified efforts to secure the release of school
children abducted by Afghan terrorists.
She also informed that
the third meeting regarding working group for reconciliation, peace and
harmony in Afghanistan would be held in Afghanistan, which would be
headed by Afghan vice foreign minister and Pakistan’s foreign
secretary, Salman Bashir.
During the briefing the upcoming
American visit of foreign minister Hina Rabbani Khar was also announced
for 17th Sep, during which she would also attend the 66th meeting of
the General Assembly, besides also meeting her American counterpart
Hilary Clinton. Hina Rabbani Khar would also be soliciting support for
UN’s non-permanent seat.
Spokesperson Tehmina Janjua also
informed that Pakistan had sought help of WHO (World Health
Organization) to tackle the curse of Dengue Virus, while donors’
assistance for flood affectees have also been sought. She informed that
recent floods had affected five million persons, which required the
assistance of global community.
Replying to a question, she
said that Pakistan faced severe energy crisis, and Pakistan-Iran gas
pipeline was in the National interest, while Pak-USA strategic
regarding energy crisis were also underway. Online
