Diplomatic failure regretted

Published October 8, 2001

ISLAMABAD, Oct 7: Pakistan on Sunday expressed hope that the action of allied forces would remain targeted for achieving the aims identified by the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Pakistan’s official reaction to the retaliatory attacks by the United States and British forces against Afghanistan, issued late on Sunday night by the foreign office, was of regret.

Except for a brief statement of foreign office spokesman, no other official made any comment on the developments.

He regretted that diplomatic efforts to convince the Taliban leadership to respond to the international demand did not succeed and military action had started against the Taliban regime.

“Pakistan did whatever it could to convince the Taliban leadership of the gravity of the situation and take the right decision in the interest of the Afghan people.

“It remains our hope that the US and allied action remains clearly targeted to achieve the aims identified by the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and every care will be taken to minimize harm to the Afghan people, who have already suffered ravages of conflict for more than two decades.

“We also hope that the operation will end soon and a concerted international effort will be undertaken to promote national reconciliation and help Afghanistan with economic reconstruction,” the spokesman said.

Opinion

Editorial

Tough talks
Updated 16 Apr, 2024

Tough talks

The key to unlocking fresh IMF funds lies in convincing the lender that Pakistan is now ready to undertake real reforms.
Caught unawares
Updated 16 Apr, 2024

Caught unawares

The government must prioritise the upgrading of infrastructure to withstand extreme weather.
Going off track
16 Apr, 2024

Going off track

LIKE many other state-owned enterprises in the country, Pakistan Railways is unable to deliver, while haemorrhaging...
Iran’s counterstrike
Updated 15 Apr, 2024

Iran’s counterstrike

Israel, by attacking Iran’s diplomatic facilities and violating Syrian airspace, is largely responsible for this dangerous situation.
Opposition alliance
15 Apr, 2024

Opposition alliance

AFTER the customary Ramazan interlude, political activity has resumed as usual. A ‘grand’ opposition alliance ...
On the margins
15 Apr, 2024

On the margins

IT appears that we are bent upon taking the majoritarian path. Thus, the promise of respect and equality for the...