Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid has said that Pakistan’s ‘responsibilities’ in the region have increased as the US have left Afghanistan.
During an interview with a foreign news agency, Interior Minister said that America forgets Pakistan’s sacrifices too early, adding that there is no question of eliminating balustrade from the Pak-Afghan border crossings.
The minister said that no migrants from Afghanistan would be allowed in Pakistan. Peace in Afghanistan guarantees peace in Pakistan. Stability in Afghanistan can stabilize the whole region, he said.
Sheikh Rashid said that Taliban should stand by their words and fulfill their promise they made to the whole world. Pakistan will never make any decision regarding recognition of Taliban government in isolation.
He said that Pakistan has no contacts with the Taliban. “I don’t know who holds contacts with them from our side but some credible officials of our government create contacts with them, only when needed” he mentioned categorically.
The minister said that Pakistan main concern lies in the fact that TTP and ISIS may use Afghan soil against us. “Although there is no clear evidence of any possible alliance between TTP and ISIS, but the scars remain” he said.
Talking about formation of Afghan government, he said that Pakistan hopes of a competitive and compact government in Afghanistan with inclusion of all Afghan groups. Power should rest in people of Afghanistan, he said.
