September 26, 2022
2 mins read

Shehbaz’s UN speech sparks row with Taliban

Shehbaz particularly mentioned the threat posed by the major terrorist groups operating from Afghanistan, especially ISIL-K and TTP as well as Al-Qaeda, ETIM and IMU….reports Asian Lite News

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session has sparked a fresh diplomatic row between Pakistan and the Afghan interim government which has denied the presence of any armed groups on Afghan soil, local media reported.

On one hand, the prime minister urged the international community to remain engaged with the Afghan Taliban but on the other, he shared global concerns over the presence of terrorist groups on Afghan soil, The Express Tribune reported.

Shehbaz particularly mentioned the threat posed by the major terrorist groups operating from Afghanistan, especially ISIL-K and TTP as well as Al-Qaeda, ETIM and IMU.

“They all need to be dealt with comprehensively, with the support and cooperation of the interim Afghan authorities,” he insisted.

His statement, however, was not taken well by the Afghan interim government, which put out a statement rejecting the allegations, The Express Tribune reported.

A formal reaction issued by the Afghan foreign ministry stated that some countries, including the US and Pakistan, expressed concerns at the 77th session of the UNGA that the threat of terrorism still exists in Afghanistan.

“These concerns are based on incorrect information and sources and are being brought up as the relevant parties are yet to hand over the seat of Afghanistan at the United Nations to its rightful legal and political owners, the Afghan government,” the Afghan foreign ministry spokesperson claimed.

“If this right is indeed afforded to the Afghan government, it will open an opportunity to directly share ground realities of Afghanistan with regional and world countries and address any concerns,” the statement added.

The spokesperson said that the Islamic Emirate once again rejected such assertions and reiterated its position to the world. He added that the territory of Afghanistan will not be used against any other country nor does any armed group currently have a presence in Afghanistan.

“Rather than raising unsubstantiated concerns and allegations, the world should engage positively with the Islamic Emirate by sharing their view and concerns directly and not through the media or public statements,” he said, The Express Tribune reported.

Since the Taliban takeover, Pakistan has remained an advocate of the de-facto rulers of Afghanistan at the world forums. Islamabad has been consistently urging the international community, particularly the western world not to abandon the war-torn country.

ALSO READ: 2 soldiers killed in explosion in Pakistan

Previous Story

Pak govt leaders’ leaked audio clips draw controversy

Next Story

Maryam complains to PM about Finance Minister

Latest from -Top News

BRICS must break the digital chains

BRICS nations need to build consensus, balance innovation and social justice by reinforcing the digital sovereignty of Global South, including evenly distribution of benefits through AI, writes Baidya Bikash Basu BRICS, the

Modi begins landmark Argentina visit

First Indian PM to visit in 57 years; economic ties, lithium and trade top agenda Prime Minister Narendra Modi kicked off a historic visit to Argentina on Saturday by paying homage to

UK MPs Slam Pakistan Over Minority Abuses

Minority communities such as Shias, Christians, Hindus, and Ahmadis continue to face harassment, violence, and intimidation. In many cases, law enforcement either turns a blind eye or enables the attacks through inaction…reports

Words Won’t Stop China, Quad Must Deliver

 If the Quad aims to counterbalance China’s growing influence, it must expand its focus beyond the maritime domain and address the continental dynamics of the Indo-Pacific…writes Imran Khurshid Despite early concerns that
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Retired Pakistani Officers Face Jail for ‘Inciting Sedition

Retired Major Raja receives 14 years’ rigorous imprisonment, while retired

IMF puts shackles on food-hit Pakistan: Shehbaz Sharif

The premier said that the government was facing many difficulties