RASC News Agency: Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that Chinese and Pakistani leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining close coordination on Afghanistan, emphasizing their shared goal of supporting the country’s sustainable development and reintegration into the global community. During a high-level meeting, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari underscored the importance of a constructive role in stabilizing Afghanistan, ensuring that their policies align with broader regional security objectives.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Shafqat Ali Khan, both nations reiterated their unwavering stance against terrorism in all its forms, vowing to combat it with a zero-tolerance approach. He highlighted the presence of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) safe havens in Afghanistan as a critical security concern, which remains at the forefront of Islamabad’s diplomatic engagements with the Taliban regime. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Shafqat Ali Khan stated, “This issue remains the primary obstacle complicating Pakistan-Afghanistan relations. Our bilateral ties should be far stronger than their current state. We have repeatedly urged Kabul’s leadership to dismantle these militant sanctuaries within Afghanistan territory. Addressing this challenge is Afghanistan’s responsibility.”
Regarding Pakistan’s policy on the repatriation of Afghanistani nationals, he clarified that the initiative is part of a longstanding strategy concerning undocumented foreign nationals rather than a measure exclusively targeting Afghanistani migrants. “Let me emphasize this policy is not directed solely at Afghanistani citizens. In every sovereign nation, individuals lacking legal documentation or residency permits are subject to deportation as a standard practice,” he asserted. He also noted that several countries have provided Pakistan with lists of Afghanistani nationals they intend to resettle, and Islamabad is actively considering these requests.
Furthermore, Pakistan once again called on the Taliban to fulfill their international commitments, particularly in counterterrorism efforts, urging the group to align with global expectations.
