Pakistan asks Afghnistan to hand over Maulvi Faqir

Pakistan on Thursday demanded Afghan Government to hand over a senior Pakistani Taliban leader who was arrested by the Afghan authorities this week.

Afghan intelligence officials have confirmed to the media the arrest of Maulvi Faqir Muhammad, former deputy of Pakistani Taliban, in eastern Afghanistan.

Faqir, who had been chief of Taliban in Bajaur tribal region, had fled to Afghanistan after the 2008 military operation in his area.

He was suspected to be behind attacks on Pakistan forces in Bajaur and later launching attacks on Pakistani border posts from Afghan soil.

Foreign Office spokesman Moazam Khan said at his weekly briefing on Thursday that Islamabad has called for extradition of Maulvi Faqir and other Pakistani Taliban who are involved in terrorist activities and wanted to Pakistan.

The spokesman said that Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar talked to her Afghan counterpart Zalmay Rassoul last night.

The Afghan Foreign Minister confirmed capture of Maulvi Faqir Muhammad and Hina Rabbani Khar hoped that he would be handed over to Pakistan as soon as possible as he has blood of so many innocent Pakistanis on his hands.

Replying to a question the spokesman also hoped that Afghanistan would capture all those engaged in anti-Pakistan activities as well and hand them over to us.

To another question, the spokesman said Pakistan is supportive of efforts aimed at peaceful and stable Afghanistan but these should be transparent and Afghanistan should not be used against Pakistan.

When his attention was drawn towards criticism of some foreign countries of handing over of Gwadar Port to a Chinese company, the spokesman said it is purely a commercial and economic venture and no one should have any concern about it.

He hoped that the Chinese company will be able to administer the port well and also be able to carry out development work originally planned.

“Pakistan is taking the project strictly as an economic venture between the two countries that enjoy excellent relations and have convergence of strategic interests in the region. It will help Chinese goods reach other markets and get China shortest route for its energy supplies”.

About Iran gas pipeline project, the spokesman said Pakistan is enormously energy deficient and it is in its national interest to have this project. He said Pakistan is committed to pursue the project and there should be no doubt about it.

To another question he said Pakistan knows Americans have reservations over the project as they have unilaterally imposed sanctions on Iran but in view of its utility and importance Pakistan is determined to go ahead with the project.

Asked about statement of Indian Finance Minister that India has 106 kilometer long border with Afghanistan, the spokesman said this is laughable. He said India has no legal or geographical basis to make such a statement.

The spokesman told a questioner that Pakistan considers drone strikes illegal and violation of its sovereignty. He said the issue has been discussed with the United States at all levels and hoped that it would be resolved bilaterally.

To another question, the spokesman said Foreign Office has written a formal letter to the United Arab Emirates for deportation of former Chairman OGRA Tauqir Sadiq. He said a response from UAE is awaited.

The spokesman said decision about inviting foreign observers for the forthcoming general elections would be made by the interim government.

Short URL: https://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=38451

Posted by Tahir Khan on Feb 21 2013. Filed under Latest News, National, Pakistan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.