NEW YORK: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar has called for concrete and verifiable action to prevent Afghan territory from being used for terrorist activities against neighbouring countries, particularly Pakistan.
Addressing a meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Contact Group on Afghanistan on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 22, Dar expressed serious concern over the presence of terrorist groups inside Afghanistan.
He highlighted Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and referred to the recent terrorist attack in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which claimed innocent lives and injured scores of people.
The foreign minister said the attack was a stark reminder of the serious threat posed by terrorism emanating from the region and underscored the urgent need for effective action against terrorist groups and their sanctuaries.
Dar urged the Taliban authorities to fulfil Afghanistan’s international obligations and commitments, end support for terrorist groups, and take steps to address concerns of neighbouring countries.
He also called for the lifting of restrictions on women and girls that, he said, are contrary to Islamic principles and norms of Muslim societies, along with the promotion of politically inclusive governance.
The deputy prime minister further urged the facilitation of the resettlement and integration of Afghan returnees and called for adequate international funding to meet Afghanistan’s humanitarian needs and support its socio-economic development.
Dar reiterated Pakistan’s support for a stable, peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan that remains at peace with itself and its neighbours.