ISLAMABAD, Feb 26 (APP):Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Thursday said that Afghan soil was being used for terrorist activities against Pakistan, alleging that India and Israel were also exploiting the territory of Afghanistan to destabilize Pakistan.
Addressing a seminar titled “Trade and Economic Losses to Pakistan Due to Insecurity and Terrorism in Afghanistan” organized by the Institute of Regional Studies in Islamabad as chief guest, the Governor said Pakistan had raised the issue with the Afghan authorities and presented evidence through negotiations facilitated by friendly countries including Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
However, he said, no concrete action had been witnessed from the Afghan government against the terrorists operating from its soil.
The seminar was attended by Ambassador and President IRS Jauhar Saleem, Dr Humaira Ambarain, experts, intellectuals and representatives from various walks of life. Participants held detailed discussions on the overall regional situation, terrorism, Pak-Afghan relations and regional connectivity.
The Governor said the armed forces of Pakistan, police and other security agencies, along with the public, were rendering unprecedented sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. Despite reservations, he stressed that doors for dialogue should not be closed.
He said that terrorism was adversely affecting bilateral trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan and called for serious engagement to address the issue. He pointed out the lack of effective political and diplomatic contacts between the two countries and termed it imperative to bridge the gap.
Referring to the presence of a large number of illegal Afghan nationals in Pakistan, he said they were moving freely across the country.
Faisal Karim Kundi reaffirmed his commitment to promoting dialogue, cooperation and coordination among institutions and stakeholders. He said history remembers nations that turn challenges into opportunities.
The Governor emphasized that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should not be viewed merely as a front-line province but as a bridge connecting regions and a hub linking markets. He underlined that while security was of fundamental importance, the border must not only be secure but also active and productive.