Afghanistan demands action against 85 Taliban leaders ‘present in Pakistan’

ISLAMABAD: Afghanistan`s Ambassador to Pakistan said on Monday that he has handed over a list of 85 Afghan Taliban and 32 ‘terror sanctuaries’ present in Pakistan to Foreign Office and GHQ.

Dr Omar Zakhiwal in his message on social media said that: “I had a very positive meeting with Mr Sartaj Aziz, Advisor to the PM on Foreign Affairs and a constructive talk with the GHQ right after my return from Kabul today. As a result, I expect quick de-escalation of the current tension and the creation of a more positive environment for responding to each other's concerns and grievances in a cooperative manner.”

In another statement, Afghan foreign ministry said: “Today the Ministry of Foreign Affairs gave a list of 32 terrorist training centers that are operating on Pakistani soil against Afghanistan to Pakistani authorities through Afghan Ambassador to Islamabad and asked for immediate actions against these centers.

“The Government of Afghanistan emphasises that if violence continues against the people of Afghanistan, it will continue its efforts to increase sanctions against all terrorist groups and their supporters through international mechanisms, especially the United Nations.”

Speaking to the press, Sartaj Aziz confirmed that a list was handed over by the Afghan diplomat to top military brass at GHQ, he said that in his meeting with the Afghan ambassador overall security situation in the region and border issues were discussed.