Afghanistan says closure of terrorist sanctuaries will be effective through genuine cooperation by Pakistan

Afghanistan on Friday said it considers closure of terrorist sanctuaries to be effective and beneficial through genuine cooperation and the use of Afghanistan-Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS).

Afghstan on Friday said it considers closure of terrorist sanctuaries to be effective and beneficial through genuine cooperation and the use of Afghstan-Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS).

In a statement, Afghstan Foreign Ministry has denied the allegation by Pakistan that Afghan forces are carrying out alleged attacks on the Banshahi-Dir area north of the Durand line.

The Pakist military on Thursday said that the Pakist soldiers suffered casualties in firing from across the Line of Durand with Afghstan.

Pakistan Foreign Ministry statement accused Afghan border security forces of facilitating the attackers.

"Pakistan strongly condemns this unprovoked, aggressive action by Afghan forces and the evident support provided to the terrorists," said the statement.

In response, Afghstan Foreign Ministry denied the allegation and said Afghstan is the main victim of terrorism from terrorist hideouts in the region.

"The Government of Afghstan considers the closure of terrorist sanctuaries to be effective and beneficial through genuine cooperation and the use of Afghstan-Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS) bilateral mechsms to truly fight common threats," it said.

The APAPPS was established in May 2018 as part of efforts by two sides to sort out issues through negotiations.

The APAPPS framework provides a comprehensive and structured mechsm to enhance engagement between counterpart institutions of the two countries.

Established in 1893, the Durand Line is a 2,430-kilometre line that separates the two nations.

The ministry said Kabul has always insisted that no terrorist group should be allowed to use Afghan territory against Pakistan or other countries.

"The fight and dedication of the Afghan security forces against terrorism is a clear example of the true struggle of the Islamic Republic of Afghstan against terrorism," the statement said.

The ministry said that at the request of Pakist forces, a security meeting between the two countries' security officials was held in the Dir area.

"The meeting itself demonstrates the strong resolve of the Government of Afghstan to work together with the Government of Pakistan in the fight against terrorism," the statement read.

( With inputs from ANI )