India still trying to derail Afghanistan peace push: Pakistan

By Islamuddin Sajid

ISLAMABAD (AA) – India is still playing the role of a spoiler and trying to derail efforts for peace in Afghanistan, Pakistan’s president said on Tuesday.

In an interview with local broadcaster News One, President Arif Alvi also accused New Delhi of trying to foment distrust between Islamabad and Kabul.

“India, throughout history, has acted as a spoiler, trying to damage relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan because it wants Afghanistan to be an irritant for Pakistan,” he said.

Alvi also urged Afghanistan’s National Security Adviser Hamdullah Mohib to refrain from spewing allegations and inflammatory statements against Pakistan.

“Such behavior is inappropriate and he (Mohib) must exercise caution and restraint,” the president said, adding that Kabul has a propensity to blame Pakistan or the US for its own failures.

“Pakistan hosts over 3.5 million Afghan refugees, which we consider our religious and moral duty. They [Afghan leaders] should keep this generosity in mind before making statements against us,” Alvi said.

The Afghan government, in particular Mohib, has pointed fingers at Pakistan as the Taliban have ramped up attacks amid the ongoing withdrawal of international forces.

Islamabad has repeatedly rejected the claims and responded by highlighting the presence of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, an umbrella group of terrorist organizations, in Afghanistan, a charge denied by Kabul.