Pakistan is hitting back at Afghan allegations the Pakistani army is supporting terrorism, including aiding the Afghan Taliban.
A Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Afghan allegations "maligning Pakistan's national security institutions continues unabated" and was "deeply dismaying." The spokesperson said Pakistan reiterated its categorical rejection of involvement in terrorist attacks, insurgent activities and cross-border shelling.
Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said terrorism was a common enemy in the region and the "leveling of baseless allegations serves no useful purpose" and only benefitted the "enemies of peace."
Sunday, Afghanistan's National Security Council met with Afghan President Hamid Karzai to review security documents it said "prove a growing presence of Pakistani military within Taliban ranks."
The Afghan NSC said Pakistan has not abided by its commitment to fight terrorism, instead "continued its destructive activities and support of terrorism." The panel accused the Pakistani army of increasing shelling of districts in the eastern Afghan province of Kunar.
The Pakistan Foreign Ministry said the ongoing military operation against Taliban and al-Qaida-linked militants in Pakistan's North Waziristan tribal district along the Afghan border was the clearest reflection of Pakistan's resolve to fight terrorism. The Pakistani spokesperson called for Afghan authorities to take necessary steps to block fleeing terrorists and eliminate terrorist sanctuaries on Afghan territory.
