QUETTA: Balochistan caretaker Minister for Information Jan Achakzai has accused the Afghan government of playing a double game and not taking the issue of terrorists using Afghan soil for attacks in Pakistan seriously.
During a press conference on Saturday, Achakzai mentioned that Pakistan has repeatedly requested the Afghan government to hand over terrorists listed by Islamabad, but there has been no positive response from Kabul.
Achakzai warned that Pakistan is prepared to go to any extent to address its demands. He pointed out that Afghan nationals were found involved in recent terrorist attacks in Bannu, as evidenced by Afghan identity cards discovered by investigators. He stated that Afghan refugees, holding their country’s ID cards and other documents, have become security risks and will face deportation.
Highlighting the responsibility of the Taliban government, Achakzai stressed that they must prevent any group from using Afghan soil for attacks in Pakistan. He declared that no Afghan would be allowed to enter Pakistan without a passport and visa, emphasizing the government’s commitment to implementing a one-document regime for border crossings from both sides.
Pakistan and GCC Near Historic Trade Pact as Investment Modalities Resolved
In another development, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have agreed on the investment modalities, clearing the way for the long-awaited ratification of a free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
This development, pending for the past 19 years, saw a high-powered delegation led by Interim Commerce Minister Gohar Ejaz concluding discussions with the GCC’s chief negotiator in Riyadh.
The aim was to finalize the investment segment of the FTA, a crucial step before the expected approval of the FTA with Pakistan at the GCC Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Doha on Sunday.
The agreed investment chapter is now slated for presentation to the GCC ministers for approval, marking the first trade and investment agreement the GCC has entered into with any country in the past 15 years if approved.
