Sharif’s election to boost bilateral ties: Mullah Hassan

KABUL (Pajhwok): Afghan Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hassan hopes the election of Shehbaz Sharif as Pakistan’s new premier will boost bilateral relations.

In a message to Sharif, Mullah Hassan said “On behalf of the government and people of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, let me extend my heartfelt congratulations to you.

“Your appointment as the 23rd prime minister of Pakistan,” Hassan wrote, according to Pakistani newspaper Dawn.

The acting premier added: “Your appointment is a good and valuable step.” He hoped it would strengthen bilateral ties between Afghanistan and Pakistan and lead to development and prosperity in the two countries.

“On behalf of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, I would like to assure you that good and comprehensive relations between the two brotherly nations and the Muslim neighboring countries would be further enhanced and strengthened.”

The Taliban leader wished prosperity and well-being to the brotherly people of Pakistan.

The statement comes amid rising tensions between the neighbours after Pakistan conducted attacks in Khost and Kunar provinces, where dozens of civilians were killed.

Pakistan says attacks on its forces are being conducted from inside Afghanistan by the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

On Sunday, the Foreign Office in Islamabad said incidents along the Durand Line had significantly increased in the last few days, wherein Pakistani security forces were being targeted from across the frontier.

Meanwhile, the acting Afghan government says it wants to defuse any tension with Pakistan through dialogue.

“The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will not allow anyone to use Afghan territory against other countries, particularly against its neighbours,” said a Taliban commentary posted by the official news agency Bakhtar following Pakistan’s recent statements that terrorists were using Afghanistan’s soil against it.

jhk/mud

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