TTP has safe havens in Kunar, Nuristan: Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad has voiced its concern over the continued presence of Tehrik-i-Taliban’s eastern provinces of Kunar and Nuristan provinces.

Foreign Office spokesman Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry said Pakistan had taken up the issue with Afghanistan at all levels several times. He hoped the TTP safe havens on Afghan soil would be eliminated.

Addressing a weekly news conference in Islamabad on Thursday, he said Pakistan believed that the best way to remove bilateral misunderstandings was to keep all communication channels open.

About Kabul’s refusal to send its army officers for a training course in Quetta, he said the activity was intended to build trust and confidence between the neighbours. “We should not miss this opportunity that promotes bilateral relations and builds trust.”

Aizaz believed Pakistan and Afghanistan had to work together to promote peace in the whole region. “Pakistan will continue to make use of its good offices for bringing reconciliation, peace and stability to Afghanistan,” he promised.

While supporting an intra-Afghan dialogue, Pakistan had agreed to release prisoners and provide of safe passage to Afghan Taliban at the behest of the High Peace Council, he argued. So far 26 Taliban leaders have been released.

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