DAWN.COM

Today's Paper | May 05, 2024

Updated 20 Dec, 2014 09:53pm

Pak-Afghan security forces to carry out coordinated operations: Sartaj Aziz

ISLAMABAD: Adviser to Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz on Saturday said security forces in Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to carry out coordinated operations against terrorists along the Pak-Afghan border.

Aziz, who yesterday stated that the massacre by the Taliban in Peshawar was “Pakistan’s 9/11”, said that the Afghan leadership in Kabul has assured the Pakistani army of full cooperation in countering terrorism.

Take a look at:Gen Raheel visits Kabul, seeks handover of Mullah Fazlullah

The adviser's remarks comes days after Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif travelled to Kabul where he secured assurances from Afghan President Ashraf Ghani as well as International Security Assistance Force (Isaf) commander General Joseph Dunford of complete cooperation in security-related matters.

In his latest remarks, Aziz also said that Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, the alleged mastermind of 26/11 Mumbai attacks, has not been released and that the government was reviewing a petition regarding his case.

Also read: Mumbai attack 'mastermind' Lakhvi detained under MPO

Responding to a question, Aziz said standard operating procedures for better border management between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been finalised and would be presented for approval before a joint military group meeting expected to take place shortly.

He also expressed hope that India would show significant progress in the Samjhauta Express case.

More on this: India urged to prosecute Samjhauta Express perpetrators

The Samjhauta Express blast that took place in the Delhi-Lahore train in 2007 had left nearly 70 people, mostly Pakistanis, dead.

Read Comments

Pakistani lunar payload successfully launches aboard Chinese moon mission Next Story