RASC News Agency: Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, has stated that the use of Afghanistan’s territory to fuel terrorism against its neighboring countries is not solely Pakistan’s concern. She further mentioned that Pakistan has provided evidence regarding the presence of terrorist groups’ hideouts within Afghanistan. In a press conference on Thursday, September 5, Baloch highlighted that recent United Nations reports have underscored the activities of terrorist groups in Afghanistan. She urged the Taliban to take action against these groups and ensure that they do not launch attacks on Pakistan from Afghanistan soil.
Earlier, the Chief of the Taliban Army had claimed that Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) controls areas within Pakistan and carries out its operations from there. In response to these remarks, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson reiterated that Islamabad has repeatedly provided evidence of terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan. Since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, attacks by militants, particularly the TTP, have escalated in Pakistan. Pakistani officials frequently allege that the Afghanistani Taliban are sheltering TTP forces within Afghanistan, accusations that the Afghanistani Taliban have consistently denied.
When asked about the Taliban’s recent restrictions on women and girls, Baloch affirmed Islamabad’s clear and consistent stance on women’s and girls’ rights, particularly their inherent right to education. She stated, “We believe that in accordance with the teachings of Islam, both men and women have the inherent right to education.” Baloch emphasized that Islam guarantees equal access to education and women’s rights, describing it as a “religion of equality” that ensures women’s right to education, inheritance, and a voice in public affairs. She clarified that Islam guarantees women a dignified life free from violence.
The spokesperson added, “The Constitution of Pakistan guarantees these rights to women, and we hope for similar rights for women everywhere.”
