ISLAMABAD, Aug 23 (APP): Minister for Interior, Sheikh Rashid Ahmad on Monday said Afghan Taliban has assured that they would not allow anyone to use Afghan land against Pakistan.
Addressing a press conference here, the minister said that the Afghan Taliban had also assured the government that the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) would not be given permission to operate in Afghanistan against Pakistan.
He said few TTP members such as Maulvi Faqir Mohammad had been released in Afghanistan, adding that the government of Pakistan was in contact with Afghan authorities on the matter and have been informed that these terrorists were involved in terrorism in Pakistan.
Sheikh Rasheed said the region has become significantly important due to changing situation in Afghanistan. He added that long-lasting peace in Afghanistan was important for the region as well as for the world.
He said Pakistan would continue playing its role in maintaining peace in Afghanistan for a stable government as peace in Afghanistan was a must for peace in the entire region including Pakistan.
He said that besides issuing visas to members of the Afghan cricket team, the government had issued immigration to 1,277 foreigners including Afghanis while 500 people were waiting for transit.
He added that 874 people were also allowed to enter Pakistan via Torkham border while Chaman and Torkham borders were opened for trade.
He said that so far no such decision was made about Afghan refugees while only those were being facilitated who were entering Pakistan legally.
He said that a one-month visa was being issued to diplomats or representatives of international bodies such as the World Bank or IMF on their arrival in Pakistan.
He said the Ministry of Interior had asked expired visa holders to leave, adding that they should apply for an online visa.
Rashid said that the Ministry of Interior was fulfilling its responsibility of border security.
The minister said that the ministry had decided to purchase six drones and 192 security cameras for safety purpose.
He said that 1122 service was also being launched in the federal capital owing to
security situation.
He added that unfortunately the federal capital remained neglected for these
much-required services in past.
Sheikh Rasheed said a facilitation center had been established at the Ministry of Interior on the directive of Prime Minister Imran Khan while a helpline was also being launched to facilitate the citizens.
He said that during the meeting with the Chinese ambassador to Pakistan Nong Rong, he assured him that foolproof security would be given to Chinese citizens and companies functioning in Pakistan.
The minister said that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project would not be allowed to become a target of any external conspiracy. He added, “No one can become a hurdle in the relations between Pakistan and China”.
He said that the objectives behind incidents like Stock Exchange and Dasu Hydropower Bus were to economically destabilize Pakistan as enemies were against Pak-China friendship.
Rashid said investigation of all such incidents was underway.
The culprits were arrested and the government was well aware of all facts behind these incidents.
He said that there were international conspiracies against Pak-China cooperation particularly China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).