India attempting to use Afghan soil for terror against Pakistan: Ashrafi

ISLAMABAD: Chairman Pakistan Ulema Council and Special Aide to Prime Minister on Religious Harmony and Middle East Hafiz Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi has said India attempting to use the Afghanistan soil for terrorism and extremism activities against Pakistan.

Talking to the media on Monday, he said: “The world leadership must pay attention and take notice of the situation. What is the purpose of Indian arms and weapons being transported to Afghanistan? India's relations with international terrorist organisations are an open secret now,” he added.

Ashrafi said Pakistan paved the way for dialogue between the US and Afghan Taliban. He said everyone was acknowledging Pakistan's efforts for peace in Afghanistan, and the Afghan government officials should make responsible statements, as Afghan Taliban were not subject of Pakistan; they are free and independent. “The stance of the government of Pakistan is in line with the sentiments of the people of Pakistan,” he said.

He said Pakistan does not interfere in internal affairs of any other country including Afghanistan and neither intends to do so in future. ”We also hope that the Afghan Taliban will follow what they are saying,” he said.

Hafiz Ashrafi said “Pakistan is a facilitator in the peace process and we are not allies with anyone in war. We are advocates of peace and Pakistani scholars have always called for peace, harmony and stability in the region".

“The world is watching the way India is fleeing from Afghanistan. If it had been doing positive things in Afghanistan, it would not have escaped like this,” he said.

He said Pakistan's stance on Kashmir issue was very clear, adding that the OIC stands with Pakistan. “Secretary General of OIC has categorically informed the Indian ambassador about the stance of the OIC,” he added.

He said Prime Minister Imran Khan was the ambassador of Kashmir and possibility of dialogue with India were linked to the resolution of the Kashmir issue.