While saying his country has a serious challenge in ties with Pakistan with regard to cross-border terrorism emanating from its side, Afghanistan Chief Executive Officer Dr Abdullah Abdullah stressed that the time has come for taking a fundamental decision to pressurize countries from using terror as an instrument of foreign policy. At the same time Abdullah thanked India for its generous contributions in the reconstruction of Afghanistan.

 “The fact that there are groups based in Pakistan which are threatening the security of Afghanistan and (they) continue to receive support and continue to embark upon destabilizing activities and acts of terror in Afghanistan. That is a very serious challenge for us and for the whole region,” Abdullah said during in an address at the Indian Council for World Affairs. He added: “The forces of darkness and evil cannot prevail forever. But at the same time they can create hindrances, they can create headaches. These are the realities of life.”

Speaking about Pakistan, Abduallah further said that there were some very clear lessons in the past when some of the terrorist groups created for other purposes turned against those who created them and started to pose a threat and continue to do so. Abdullah further said that there cannot be any classification of terror groups as good or bad terrorists and while referring to Pakistan Abdullah said living in denial from the reality will complicate the situation.

 “Our message is very clear: Afghanistan's civility and prosperity is in the interest of the region. Afghanistan has no bad intention towards any neighbouring country. We have extended and will continue to extend hands of friendship to all its neighbours and countries of the region. And we expect reciprocation,” Abdullah said.

The Afghan leader exuded confidence that the region will be able to overcome the challenge of terrorism and radicalisation. “I do not have any doubt in my mind. Wisdom will prevail. Human dignity will prevail. Acts of terror will be condemned and it will be condemned to failure,” he said.

He appreciated India's contributions to improve the lives of millions of Afghan people. “Relations between Afghanistan and India, which are founded in the bonds of history and culture of both nations, have been strengthened in the past 16 years with your generous contributions that made a difference to lives of millions of people,” he said.