Won't let TTP to use Afghan land against Pakistan, 'Taliban reassures us': Sheikh Rashid

The minister was replying to a question during a press conference in Islamabad.

He said some TTP members like Maulvi Faqir Mohammad had been released by the Taliban after their takeover of Kabul on August 15, adding that the government was in "full contact" with the Taliban on the issue.

The related authorities, the minister said, in Afghanistan had been told that those who have involved in terrorism in Pakistan were controlled.

"The Afghan Taliban have reassured us that Afghanistan's land will not be allowed to be used in any case by the TTP," said Rashid.

He said Pakistan desired peace in Afghanistan since peace in one country was related to peace in the other.

About Pakistan's efforts to facilitate evacuations from Afghanistan, Rashid said over 1,200 people including Americans had been evacuated and more than 4,000 visas had been issued in total. He added that 874 people were also allowed to enter Pakistan via Torkham border while Chaman and Torkham borders were opened for trade.

"Fifty members of the Afghan cricket team have been issued visas as well and one-month visa-on-arrival facilities are being provided to diplomats and officials of international organisations such as the World Bank (WB) and International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Sheikh Rasheed said the region had become significantly important due to changing situation in Afghanistan. He added that long-lasting peace in Afghanistan was important for the region as well as for the world.

He said Pakistan would continue playing its role in maintaining peace in Afghanistan for a stable government as peace in Afghanistan was a must for peace in the entire region including Pakistan.

He said that so far no such decision was made about Afghan refugees while only those were being facilitated who were entering Pakistan legally.

He said the Ministry of Interior had asked expired visa holders to leave, adding that they should apply for an online visa.

Rashid said that the Ministry of Interior was fulfilling its responsibility of border security. The minister said that the ministry had decided to purchase six drones and 192 security cameras for safety purpose.

He said that 1122 service was also being launched in the federal capital owing to security situation. He added that unfortunately the federal capital remained neglected for these much-required services in past.

Sheikh Rasheed said a facilitation center had been established at the Ministry of Interior on the directive of Prime Minister Imran Khan while a helpline was also being launched to facilitate the citizens.

He said that during the meeting with the Chinese ambassador to Pakistan Nong Rong, he assured him that foolproof security would be given to Chinese citizens and companies functioning in Pakistan.

The minister said that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project would not be allowed to become a target of any external conspiracy. He added, “No one can become a hurdle in the relations between Pakistan and China”.

He said that the objectives behind incidents like Stock Exchange and Dasu Hydropower Bus were to economically destabilize Pakistan as enemies were against Pak-China friendship.
Rashid said investigation of all such incidents was underway.

The culprits were arrested and the government was well aware of all facts behind these incidents.