Pakistan will not allow anyone to use its soil to attack Afghanistan, but Kabul must also ensure its territory is not used against Islamabad, army chief General Raheel Sharif said today.
Addressing troops in North Waziristan region bordering Afghanistan, Gen Sharif said Pakistan was fully committed to peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.
"As consolidation goes on and operational dividends optimised for Pak-Afghan border region, Pakistan will not allow anyone to use its soil against Afghanistan," he said during his address in Shawal area - once controlled by al-Qaeda linked militants, where he had gone to celebrate the Eid festival with the soldiers.
He asked Afghanistan to stop attacks from its soil against Pakistan.
"Our efforts for peace in Afghanistan have been acknowledged. While we are committed to facilitate the reconciliation process with sincerity, commitment and resolve, we expect that Afghanistan's territory will not be used against Pakistan," he said.
He said "peace and stability" along the Pak-Afghan border was a priority and asserted that border management and dignified repatriation of Afghan refugees were important for lasting peace.
There are about 3 million Afghan refugees -- 1.5 million registered and about as many undocumented -- in Pakistan.
Gen Sharif said the military commanders, intelligence and law enforcement agencies should work together to make the border stable and stop violations.
