Pakistan rejects Afghan Taliban claims linking Islamabad to Nuristan clashes

It said Pakistan categorically rejects the fabricated claims of involvement by its security forces or intelligence agencies in any internal clashes in Nuristan or elsewhere in Afghanistan, including allegations of recruiting or training former Afghan security personnel or facilitating Daesh or any other terrorist group operating in Afghanistan.

The statement said that not a shred of evidence has been produced to substantiate Pakistan's involvement including identities, documents, communications, forensic evidence or independent verification. The presence and activities of terrorist groups of all types inside Afghanistan are well documented, including in successive reports of the United Nations and other neutral international organisations.

Attempts to manufacture a Pakistani connection cannot obscure the reality that these terrorist groups continue to find sanctuary and permissive environment for growth in Afghan territory.

Also Read:71 terrorists killed in Balochistan operations over 96 hours: ISPRIt is particularly ironic for the Afghan Taliban regime to accuse Pakistan of supporting terrorism while terrorist organisations operating from Afghanistan continue to pose a direct threat to Pakistan and regional security.

The statement further said that instead of externalising responsibility for its internal security challenges through fanciful allegations, the Afghan Taliban regime should take credible and verifiable action against terrorist organisations operating from its territory.

It said the Afghan Taliban regime needs to fulfil its commitments that Afghan soil will not be used for terrorism against Pakistan or any other country rather than attempting to deflect responsibility through fabricated accusations.

The statement said such claims by this non-inclusive, non-representative Taliban regime are also reflective of lies to externalise internal dissent and oppression of women, children and minorities.