The JUI-F leader praises the role of the army in securing the borders. PHOTO: EPA/FILE
ISLAMABAD:
Amid growing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, leader of his eponymous faction of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam party, called for calm, restraint and immediate diplomatic engagement to avoid further escalation.
“Pakistan’s security concerns are legitimate,” the influential cleric said, referring to Islamabad’s demand for the Taliban regime in Kabul to rein in terrorist groups, including the TTP, Hafiz Gul Bahadur and the BLA, operating from Afghan soil.
However, he also stressed that Afghanistan’s sovereignty and internal challenges must also be respected. He warned that the emotional attitude of both parties could further complicate relations.
The JUI-F chief urged the two countries to adopt a responsible approach based on mutual interests, a reliable security framework and internationally recognized standards. “Diplomatic efforts can provide a lasting solution, while unilateral military actions will only worsen the crisis,” he added.
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Maulana Fazl called on both governments to exercise patience and restraint, calling for an immediate ceasefire. He also expressed hope that supporters of the two countries and peace-seeking nations in the region would support peaceful diplomatic interventions.
Pakistani forces targeted key military installations of the Afghan Taliban regime in Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia with effective airstrikes, security sources confirmed in the early hours of Friday. At the same time, the international community has called for restraint and dialogue.
Pakistan has “effectively pushed back” Afghan Taliban insurgents at 53 locations along the border, inflicting heavy casualties while exercising restraint to avoid harming civilians, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said at a press briefing on Friday.
“So far, 274 Taliban insurgents have been killed and more than 400 injured,” he said. “Seventy-three posts along the border were destroyed, while 18 posts are now in our possession. » He added that 115 tanks used by the insurgents had also been destroyed in the fighting.
Lt Gen Chaudhry said the operation was ongoing and producing the desired results under the supervision of the government. “The operation is continuing and we are achieving the desired results, personally supervised by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif,” he added.
