In a clear rejection of Pakistan’s allegations that Indian security agencies carry out anti-Pakistan activities from Afghanistan, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said there is no proof on this. Ghani, in an interview to Pakistan’s Geo News, denied any activity of RAW or Indian agencies in Afghanistan saying he will not allow his soil to be used for any terror related activities. This was a message for Pakistan too which has been hyperactive in Afghanistan by providing support to Taliban and other terror groups.
“Our Foreign Policy is no-one’s business, but ours, as long as it’s constructive. If destructive allegations are made, we will verify. We are proud of our friendship with India,” Ghani said.
“I have had meetings with General Raheel Sharif, with the head of ISI, with Prime Minister Sharif and with others. Not a scrap of evidence has been presented to me. And, Afghan policy is continuous. We will not permit our country to be used for destabilisation of any other country, particularly the neighbourhood. Two, we will not sponsor terrorist groups as an instrument of policy. We will not use State organisations as non-State actors,” Ghani said.
“Some people live in a world of mythology; they believe their own allegations. If there are indications, if they are allegations, let’s agree to a third-party verification. Would they accept the ChineseIJ Would they accept the USIJ Who would they acceptIJ Allegations cannot be a myth, allegations need to be substantiated…We are a place of meetings; we do not want to be source of contentions. We are not part of proxy wars. We want a solid relationship, and it is important to have a fact-based approach and a goal-oriented policy. Our policy is good neighborliness,” Ghani said rubbishing allegations on India.
Instead, he urged Pakistan to go after the declared terrorist groups saying that if Islamabad does not take action on them, his Government will not believe Pakistan Government. “Act on the quadrilateral process regarding reconcilables and irreconcilables so that peace can begin (And) Those who reject peace should be evicted from Pakistan,” Ghani said, adding Afghan side is ready to cooperate on counter-terrorism.
India has been helping Afghanistan in rebuilding and infrastructure process and the warmth in relations between the two sides has always irked Pakistan. While refusing to define Afghanistan’s relationship with Pakistan either of a “brother” or “friend” or for that matter even as “enemy” Ghani did mention India as a “historical friend” of Afghanistan.
“India is building dams in Afghanistan and helping building our Parliament. India is a democratic country sharing our democratic aspirations. Our foreign policy is no-one’s business, but ours, as long as it’s constructive. If destructive allegations are made, we will verify. We are proud of our friendship with India; we are proud of our friendship with China and with the United States; that is the essence of sovereignty. Essence of sovereignty is that you are free to strike partnerships with others. The essence of regional stability is that your friendships with others do not pose threats to your neighbours,” President added.