ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday asked Afghanistan to take necessary measures on its side of the border to stop the fleeing terrorists from North Waziristan who seek sanctuary on Afghan soil.Foreign Office spokesperson Ms Tasnim Aslam in her weekly briefing said the purpose of the visit of special envoy Mehmood Khan Achakzai to Kabul was also aimed at seeking Afghan cooperation in management of the border.She said the visit of Afghan National Security Advisor Dr Rangin Dadfar Spanta also aims to take the discussion forward on the matter.
The spokesperson recalled that Pakistan had taken extraordinary measures including restriction of movement and deployment of additional troops on the border when presidential elections took place in Afghanistan.She said these security measures were appreciated not only by the Afghans but the international community as well.The spokesperson said the operation has been launched in North Waziristan to eliminate terrorism and it was in Afghanistan’s own interest to cooperate with Pakistan.She expressed the confidence that Afghan authorities will respond positively to Pakistan’s call for enhanced security at the border.Replying to a question whether any foreign country has offered assistance for the internally displaced families of North Waziristan, the spokesperson said Pakistan has not asked for any foreign assistance.The United Arab Emirates, however, has offered some sort of assistance for the internally displaced persons (IDPs), she added.The spokesperson said, “The people of North Waziristan are our brothers and sisters and as a nation it is our responsibility to come out and extend all out support for the IDPs who have to leave their homes for the peace and security of the entire country. “
