New Delhi:
Pakistan PM Imran Khan on Friday denied Afghan charges of its links with the Taliban and said, "....the country that will be most affected by turmoil in
Afghanistan is Pakistan. Pakistan suffered 70,000 casualties in the last 15 years.
"The last thing Pakistan wants is more conflict".
He, however, suggested that the great opportunity to force the Taliban to come to the negotiating table has been lost.
"When there were 150,000 Nato troops, that was the time to ask the Taliban to come to the table. Why were the Taliban going to compromise once the exit date was given ? Why would they listen to us when they are sensing victory" Imran Khan said.
Afghanistan has stepped up attacks on its neighbour Pakistan for the latter's nexus withthe Taliban and said Islamabad has been in denial mode on "the existence of Quetta Shura or presence of Talib terrorist leaders in its soil" for the last 20 years.
However, though in denial mode, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan says post-withdrawal of American forces, the Taliban are now "sensing victory".
"On Pakistani denial: For over twenty years Pakistan denied the existence of Quetta Shura or presence of Talib terrorist leaders in its soil. Those familiar with this pattern, Afghan or foreign, know exactly that issuing a statement of denial is just a pre-written paragraph," tweeted Afghanistan's Vice President
Amrullah Saleh.
His fresh tweet came after Pakistan denied having 'warned' Afghanistan Air Force not to dislodge Taliban from Spin Boldak area.
"Breaking: Pakistan air force has issued official warning to the Afghan Army and Air Force that any move to dislodge the Taliban from Spin Boldak area will be faced and repelled by the Pakistan Air Force. Pak Air Force is now providing close air support to Taliban in certain areas," he had said.
Islamabad of course denied the serious allegation amid consistent reports that following withdrawal ofUS forces, the Taliban has been gaining ground in the war-devastated country.
Pakistan foreign office issued a statement stating as alleged by the Afghan Vice President, "Pakistan Air Force never communicated anything to the Afghan Air Force. Such statements undermine Pakistan’s sincere efforts to play its part in an Afghan owned and Afghan led solution".
"We remain committed to peace in Afghanistan and shall continue to endeavour towards this end irrespective of the detractors," it claimed.
The statement from Afghan Vice President only makes it clear that Pakistan is 'supporting' the Taliban so that Afghan forces cannot regain control of the Spin Boldak area in the Kandahar district.
The Talibs have reportedly taken control over the Chaman-Spin Boldak border crossing with Pakistan. This is perhaps near the second most important border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The episode has left Pakistan red-faced certainly.
ends
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