Afghan National Army must have 'capabilities' to face current 'deteriorating' situation: DG ISPR

"Pakistan is already playing its active role in maintaining peace in Afghanistan, but Afghanis have to decide that how they could have to move forward with their counterparts to decide the future of Afganis,” he said while talking to a local news channel.

The Afghan National Army has seen a huge expense on it in the last 20 years or so, but it has only focused on major cities of the country.

“The reports are approaching us that the Taliban are advancing at a fast pace and the US Army has left Afghanistan up to great extent.”

Mr Iftikhar went on to say that the quick withdrawal of forces from Afghanistan was an abrupt decision as it should had been gradually with a comprehensive plan. 

"Pakistan has repeatedly made it clear that there is no favourite in Afghanistan and it's decision of Afghani people who would establish a government and how it would be run."

All stakeholders are required to sit together to resolve the internal disputes, the ISPR chief said, adding often Pakistan has been blamed for disrupting internal peace of Afghanistan by Afghan governments.

He said the entire world knew that Pakistan always played its sincere and positive role for ensuring peace in the "war-torn" Afghanistan. 

He feared all stakeholders needed a sole decision to maintain writ of state in Afghanistan otherwise Afghanis could civil war and anarchy.     

The ISPR DG was of the view that the gun (force) was not the solution to resolve Afghan crisis as through gun it could not be decided since the past two decades and it was not an option in the future. Referring to the armed conflict taking place in Afghanistan among Taliban and Afghan Forces, he said this was just a phase and decision could be made only through dialogue.

Mr Iftikhhar further said Pakistan is fearing arrival of Afghan immigrants if situation in Afghanistan further deteriorated, adding the Interior Ministry had already devised comprehensive policy in this regard.

He ruled out the possibility of allowing to use Pakistan's airbases to the US forces, adding India's complete focus to damage Pakistan while staying in Afghanistan.

The military media wing's chief said Pakistan had devised strategy to secure border with Afghanistan, adding 90 per cent border had been secured with fencing.

"Every body knows the presence of Daesh and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan who use to infiltrate in Pakistan for terrorism."

Mr Iftikhar made it clear that nobody would be allowed to use Pakistan's soil for their ulterior motives. 

Regarding India's role, the general said India would not be able to achieve any mileage through its anti-Pakistan propagande while using Afghanistan soil.