PESHAWAR - In their maiden telephonic contact, President Ashraf Ghani and Pakistan’s new Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi have vowed to work together to deal with common challenges.
Ghani rang up Abbasi and congratulated him on his election as Pakistan’s new premier after the disqualification of Mian Nawaz Sharif in the Panamagate case by the Supreme Court.
The Prime Minister’s House said in a statement the Afghan president expressed satisfaction with the smooth transition. H called the change a good omen for democracy in Pakistan.
Abbasi thanked Ghani, saying terrorism was a common threat for both countries. “We will work with Afghanistan for security and stability in the region,” he said.
He added terrorism was a common enemy and “we will work together to eliminate this menace from the region”. The two sides also agreed to work together to address the challenge of energy in the region.
Khyber-IV operation
Also on Monday, Pakistan spurned the Kunar governor’s allegation that the Khyber-IV military offensive near the Durand Line was aimed at pushing militants into Afghanistan.
The Foreign Office rejected the statement as contrary to the spirit and understanding reached during recent engagements at the leadership level of the two countries. “Such media headlines are misleading and part of a malicious campaign.”
A statement from the ministry said: “Khyber-IV is part of the ongoing counterterrorism operation. Our security forces have achieved success in fighting back terrorists.”
“The political leadership of the two countries had agreed that the two sides would coordinate and cooperate in their action to eradicate the menace of terrorism, which is a common challenge.”
Afghan authorities had been informed about the Khyber-IV operation and terrorists fleeing the military action were to be dealt with by Afghan security forces. “So far we have received no support from Afghanistan in Operation Khyber-IV.” (Pajhwok)