Pakistan on Thursday insisted that it does not make any distinctions between terrorists, adding that it was intent on eradicating militants under its Operation Zarb-e Azb. Pakistan was reacting to the recent report filed by the Pentagon to the US Congress which states that Islamabad provides a safe haven to terror groups, a testimony that the Islamic Republic strenuously objects to.
"We specifically highlighted the portions that we found were utterly baseless, unsubstantiated and which we cannot accept. They related to questions about links with non-state actors and also in a way questioning Pakistan's commitment at a time when we are amidst a comprehensive law enforcement operation against terrorists in Zarb-e Azb and we have repeatedly said that we are not making any distinction among terrorists in this operation," Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Tasnim Aslam told the media.
"At the time of when operation Zarb-e-Azb began, the Afghans and the Americans were asked to take corresponding action on other side of the border, who may flee. Director-General Inter-Services Public Relations Asim Bajwa confirmed the unfortunate fact that we did not receive cooperation which we expected and which would have been in the interest of making safe not only Pakistan but also Afghanistan. In this background, these baseless allegations in report to US Congress are unacceptable to Pakistan," she added.
Aslam further said that Pakistan has followed a policy of non interference and strict neutrality in Afghanistan.
"We do not object to any country's presence in Afghanistan per se, we have very clearly articulated our policy that we want all countries close and far to contribute to reconstruction, economic development and stability in Afghanistan. We pursue a policy of non interference and strict neutrality in Afghanistan. We believe it is for Afghans to decide how they want to proceed on reconciliation and other matters. But we have also said that Afghan soil should not be used against Pakistan," she said.
The Pentagon, in a recent report which ran into more than 100 pages, accused Islamabad of being a safe haven for terrorists targeting both India and Afghanistan and told the US Congress that Pakistan used these tactics to counter the superior Indian forces.
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"Pakistan uses these proxy forces to hedge against the loss of influence in Afghanistan and to counter India's superior military," the report read.
"India has shown increased interest in Afghan security assistance, though activities in the area remain limited. India currently offers India based training to ANSF personnel across a number of specialties and the Indian Government committed to expand this programme. India does not provide direct military support or training in Afghanistan," the report added.
The Pentagon also accused Pakistan-based militants of bombing the Indian consulate in Herat in May, naming terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba as the culprits.
