DLP Report
PESHAWAR
Provincial chairman of the Qaumi Watan Party (QWP), Sikandar Hayat Khan Sherpao, on Friday pledged support for Pakistan’s armed forces in defending the country’s sovereignty amid rising tensions with Afghanistan, and called on the Afghan interim government to take concrete steps against cross-border militancy.
He was addressing an emergency meeting of the party’s provincial cabinet at Watan Kor.
Mr Sherpao said his party stood shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces in safeguarding national sovereignty.
“While protecting our national interests is of utmost importance, lasting stability can only be achieved through meaningful dialogue and diplomatic engagement,” he added.
He stressed that in the current circumstances, it was imperative for the Afghan interim authorities to translate their assurances into “concrete, tangible and verifiable measures” against militant elements allegedly operating from their soil.
Preventing cross-border terrorism, he said, was the primary responsibility of the Afghan state.
The QWP leader said Pakistan had repeatedly called for an end to the bloodshed of its security personnel and innocent civilians, adding that protection of the country’s territorial integrity was non-negotiable. “We stand firmly with Pakistan’s principled stance,” he remarked.
Urging Kabul to take practical steps to halt militant activities against Pakistan, Mr Sherpao emphasised the importance of utilising diplomatic channels to reduce tensions and build confidence between the two neighbours.
He observed that although differences had existed in the past, the situation had not escalated to the present level.
Recalling previous efforts to defuse tensions through diplomatic engagement and political delegations, he said coordination was essential in the face of evolving security challenges.
Expressing concern over deteriorating bilateral relations and the security situation along the border, Mr Sherpao said recent developments required wisdom, unity and clarity of strategy.
He added that Pakistan had been bearing the brunt of terrorism for decades and reiterated the need for sincere diplomatic relations based on mutual respect and responsibility to achieve lasting peace.
