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ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office on Friday expressed disappointment over the “unhelpful statements” made by the Afghan leadership and termed it “complete disregard to the efforts that Pakistan has made for peace and stability in Afghanistan”.
Foreign Office’s statement was in response to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani’s earlier call to involve India in transit trade with Afghanistan.
“We have noted with disappointment the unhelpful statements made by Afghan leadership in complete disregard to the efforts that Pakistan has made and continues to make for peace and stability in Afghanistan,” Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria told reporters in the federal capital.
“We remain committed to lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan,” he said, adding that Pakistan firmly believes that peace in Afghanistan was in its interest and necessary for stability and progress of the region.
“Our efforts for peace, stability and economic progress are a matter of our commitment to brotherly people of Afghanistan — millions of whom have been hosted in Pakistan for past 37 years,” he maintained.
Ghani, during a meeting with the UK’s special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan Owen Jenkins in Kabul last week, had threatened to block Pakistan’s trade access to Central Asian States (CAS) if it did not allow Afghanistan to trade with India through the Wagah border.
Read: India offers $1bn in fresh aid to Afghanistan
The foreign office spokesperson said that under a transit trade agreement between the two countries, Pakistan was extending all services for transit of Afghan exports and imports through Pakistan’s ports. “We have also been facilitating the transit of Afghan fruits to India through Wagah.”
Pakistan’s security forces were engaged in a “valiant fight against terrorism. Their efforts are making an immense contribution to securing the porous border to help bring lasting peace to Afghanistan, and the region”, said Zakaria.
But Pakistan remained concerned that “Afghan soil was being increasingly used by a ‘neighbour’ for subversive activities inside Pakistan and terror financing”, he added.
Read: Olson urges Pakistan to refocus on stopping cross-border attacks
Zakaria said it was important for both Pakistan and Afghanistan to closely work together for peace, progress and stability of the region.
“It requires a strong commitment for not letting our territories be used against each other. Pakistan is abiding by this solemn commitment,” he said.
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Comments (85) Closed
Sep 16, 2016 06:29pm
It is time to allow free trade from India to Afghanistan. Let us get rid of hatred toward India for the benefit of the public in Pakistan and India.
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Sep 16, 2016 06:30pm
Pakistan must not interfere in Afghanistan's internal affairs. Let them solve their own problems. All you need to do is, send Afghan refugees Back to their country and seal the borders with Afghanistan. That's all. Strong borders = Secure Nation
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Sep 16, 2016 06:32pm
Wake up..you are loosing one more friend.
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Sep 16, 2016 06:32pm
Unbelievable statement from pakistan ..
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Sep 16, 2016 06:35pm
Pakistan must not expect anything good from Afghanistan. No one should ever forget that Afghanistan was the only country that opposed Pakistan's entry in the UN.
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Sep 16, 2016 06:36pm
Don't give access to India. We have alternate option but, pakistan don't..
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Sep 16, 2016 06:35pm
@Naeem I tend to disagree with your rationalization.
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Sep 16, 2016 06:41pm
The problem with Pakistan is that there is no one to present Pakistan's point of view and fight our case. When India speaks, it's Modi speaking. When Afghanistan speaks, it's Ashraf Ghani roaring. Unfortunately, when it comes to Pakistan, PM Nawaz never utters a word. He is also the foreign minister of Pakistan, so our that position is a muted one. In all this emerging scenario, Pakistan needs a strong leader, a strong narrator who could articulate our point of view. That should be done either by PM Nawaz or FM Nawaz. That is missing, and that is the biggest problem our foreign policy is facing.
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Sep 16, 2016 06:42pm
They are not Turk, Arab, or MISRIS they are people of Indian subcontinent and hence should help each other.
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Sep 16, 2016 06:42pm
Hosting 3 millions afghan refugees in Pakistan for the last 30 and this is what we get in return. They are thankless race.
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Sep 16, 2016 06:43pm
Pakistan remained concerned that “Afghan soil was being increasingly used by a ‘neighbour’ for subversive activities inside Pakistan and terror financing”, he added.
This is the crux of the issue.
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Sep 16, 2016 06:44pm
Ghani is under presure from india an disqualified as dialog partner.
Pak must align foriegns affairs matters better. First we help everybody and then rhey turn against us.
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Sep 16, 2016 06:49pm
So according to FO it is OK for Pakistan to block trade for Afghanistan but that is not OK for Afghanistan
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Sep 16, 2016 06:58pm
@Kamal Pasha, UN is also paying for these refugee, they are not living free..
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Sep 16, 2016 06:59pm
Imagine, India had access to Europe through Pakistan, gas pipeline to Iran and oil pipeline from Kazakistan. Together it would be bigger than CPEC. With investments at such a scale, kashmir would get resolved very quickly. But Pakistan's politics is all about short-term gain.
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Sep 16, 2016 06:59pm
@SK genius no is blocking TTA clearly states the Afghans can use Pak ports for im and ex. Including roads for exp to India but they cannot use land roads for via a vid. Simple. Don't be ignorant and aloof. Ghani is a learned man and I can say without doubt he knows the situation but is intentional miniulating the principle situation of the agreement.
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Sep 16, 2016 07:03pm
Pakistan is already allowing trade from India to Afghanistan, but Ghani in behest of India is putting undue pressure to put a show to the world that Pakistan are uncooperative. Pakistan has said valid concern that even though trade is already happening we do have valid concerns that India are using this transit trade to destabilize Pakistan.
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Sep 16, 2016 07:07pm
Dear FO ! You came to know about it late.
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Sep 16, 2016 07:06pm
@DV, Why they don't go back to Ghani's Afghsnistan?
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Sep 16, 2016 07:11pm
No, Pakistan must learn by its horrible past mistakes of getting involved to drive out Russians from Afghnistan. Pakistan has done more than enough for afghans and it is about time that they should leave.
Pakistan must tightly close borders for two years to conduct total people accountability in all provinces. We have people in Pakistan who have no business to be in. Sincerely
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Sep 16, 2016 07:11pm
@Naeem We cannot allow Indian terrorists transit through Pakistan. Without transit RAW operatives get caught in Balochistan and other areas regularly. Afghanistan can stop our transit access to CAS areas. We shall reciprocate by stopping all transit to them as it hurts our security. They enjoy Chabahar as much as they want.
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Sep 16, 2016 07:14pm
@DV then why the rest of world accepting them?. They are free to leave us but why they are not? Have you ever thought about that?
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Sep 16, 2016 07:15pm
Disappointed? Man this international arena doesnt care for morality.it cares for money.and that generates interests.pakistan has geo-strategic significance,US is asking you to talk,iran is interested in CPEC.China is our Ally,Russia is likely to be more closer to us.Economically we are getting better.EXLCLUDE AFGHANISTAN AND INDIA FROM LIST OF COOPERATION AT ALL LEVELS.Because these two countries will never understand worth of PAKISTAN....MARK MY WORDS...
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Sep 16, 2016 07:15pm
Unthankful nation! Be friends with India by all means...we have learned the hard way!
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Sep 16, 2016 07:20pm
Is this a new revelation or a surprise for anyone?
Where has Pakistani government been for the past three decades?
Afghanistan has proven to be deceptive and duplicitous friend> One which has proven to be eager to bite the hand the feeds it..
Where would Afghanistan be, if Pakistan had not hosted millions of these people on its soil; or failed to support the Mujihadeens to outs the Soviets; or had not provided logistical, monetary and moral support for post-Taliban civilian government to come into being ??
I do not trust Afghans, and never will.
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Sep 16, 2016 07:20pm
Since Mr.Ghani has existential threat and has become paranoid,Pakistan will have to show restraint and exercise patience.In the meantime,seal off the western border.
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Sep 16, 2016 07:27pm
i would URGE ALL PAKISTANIS to UNDERSTAND that our pakistan our country is completely indegenous in all means and resources.only weak leadership made life miserable for country.WE DONT NEED ANY BODY HELP WETHER INDIA OR AFGHANISTAN OR ANYONE ....LOUD AND CLEAR.......
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Sep 16, 2016 07:30pm
Thankless Afghan Govt. Hosting millions Afghan,even present ruling elite and Karazi,they speak Indian language. They should be helpful to restore peace in Afghanistan and Pakistan but unfortunately playing in hands of Indian intelligence.
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Sep 16, 2016 07:31pm
We are still unaware of the exact reason why Pakistan is not allowing India-Afghanistan trade through the Wagah border. Until the true reason is out, there is going to be all sorts of speculations about Pak petulence. If y0u want to help Afghanistan, then just let the trade go through.
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Sep 16, 2016 07:33pm
Funny way of Afghanistan and India asking Pakistan to allow trade. Request Pakistan! not tell.
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Sep 16, 2016 07:36pm
Pakistan should close all its borders with Afghanistan.
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Sep 16, 2016 07:41pm
All those who are asking the refugees to go back, please remember that we are getting from UN for taking these refugees. If they go back, our foreign exchange reserves will be in negative.
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Sep 16, 2016 07:40pm
This is very painful to hear from the Afghani Leadership. Afghani President is acting like an Indian puppet. It appears that Mr. Ghani is not speaking for the people who elected him. Having said that, It is about time Pakistani leadership start showing some guts and seal the borders with Afghanistan and send back their nationals which are in millions. Pakistan must not let its land routes used against itself from its staunch enemy. We are not obliged to provide any routs for transports and Afghanistan is more than welcome to block its routes for pakistani imports/exports as it is not used much at all.
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Sep 16, 2016 07:49pm
@shafi.....UNCHR and UN are themselves at the mercy of their donars,since 1990 Pakistan is footing half of this bill besides incurring losses on account violence,heroine ,smuggling of fire arms and illegal activities.
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Sep 16, 2016 07:50pm
@Changez_Khan yes, absolutely. That's the best solution and Pakistan must send the refugees back to their country so that we can live in peace.
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Sep 16, 2016 07:55pm
@Liaqat Ali Jatoi
I totally endorse your views.
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Sep 16, 2016 07:55pm
1 BN.$ from India,this is good news for Afghan refugees living in Pakistan.Instead of December they were given extension until march 2017( due to generous offer made by Govt.of Pakistan) plus they are getting additional compensation from UNHCR. India will take care of them now. They should go back to Afghanistan sooner than later as the Afghan Govt.has surprisingly openly adopted an anti-Pakistan policy.
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Sep 16, 2016 07:57pm
When you don't have a honorabke leaders and they know your leaders will do anything for self interest. Than even a fly will think that he can slap you and get away with it.
We need honorable leaders and I don't see any in the line right now.
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Sep 16, 2016 07:57pm
@Ramiz weve gave countless refugees safety for past 30years. What helpbare u talking about bcoz it only pakistan that doing helping
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Sep 16, 2016 07:58pm
@Manna Singh
Exactly India should stop interfering in Pakistan.
From cricket to Kashmir.
Read statements of Indian politicians compare to Pakistanis Politicians; mind set will be clear to you.
We don't want hostilities with India if india treat Pakistan as a neighbor and a friend. Stop blocking water (Our life line), financing terrorism, malign Pakistan diplomatically and let people of Kashmir decide what they want.
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Sep 16, 2016 08:00pm
@DV not really mate, what about all the terror attacks thru some refugees. On tgat note qhy not take in the refugees themselves since it was their war, why should we take them
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Sep 16, 2016 07:59pm
@Changez_Khan this is the solution.
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Sep 16, 2016 08:00pm
@Najaf u still havent learned, had u done so you woudnt have made that statement.
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Sep 16, 2016 08:01pm
We need to close our borders.
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Sep 16, 2016 08:03pm
@Liaquat Ali Jatoi No sir.Our Modi sharkar is wrong.Its helping a weak man in Afghanistan who got no authority outside his president house in kabul sir.
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Sep 16, 2016 08:06pm
@Liaquat Ali Jatoi, They are all bunch of incompetent politicians unable to present Pakistan's point of view to the international world. Competent people have no access to the parliament in Pakistan or even win the elections. This have set the Pakistani system in such a way that only they themselves are always the beneficiaries and the poor people will always remain deprived and unattended.
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Sep 16, 2016 08:06pm
Afghan hosts Balouch and TTP terror groups, frequently hosts anti-pak events inviting separatists
India does not allow Pak Films, limits trade, has banned PIA from using their airspace, supports terror, conducts terror via Afghanistan
Some how its Pakistan who is the antagonist???
I would ask Ghani to take his refugees back and stop abusing Pakistan which is dear to us all.
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Sep 16, 2016 08:13pm
@shafi your statements are completely incorrect.
Contribution from UN for hosting and looking after the millions of Afghan refugees is not a profitable exercise at all. This argument is something i hear from hardline pro-indian hawkish elements within the Afghan govt.
Billions are spent by Pak govt to make up the short fall.
In addition, thousands of lives are blighted by drugs, crimes, prostitution, gun smuggling and terrorism which is a side affect of supporting millions of refugees from an enemy of Pakistan.
The problem will only get worse with a totally Indian aligned Afghan govt hell bent on causing Pakistan problems... as millions of afghan refugees can be recruited very easily into proxy war and terror.
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Sep 16, 2016 08:15pm
@SK It has not targeted against Afghanistan. You are ignoring or forgetting that Kashmir has been a longstanding issue, and Kashmiri Muslims do not want to be part of India, and they are being denied the right to referendum also called right of self determination.
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Sep 16, 2016 08:19pm
@Kamal Pasha. Agree
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Sep 16, 2016 08:20pm
Afgan president want free trade with India , If Pakistan provide free access to them its in Pakistan people's favor, Indian trade with afgan not more but its to much for afgan ,ithelpful to war affected afgan people.
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Sep 16, 2016 08:21pm
@Tahir "Billions are spent by Pak govt to make up the short fall"
Quick questions...where are these billions coming from? Can these be shown in your national budget anywhere? Why is the Pakistani Government standing in from of IMF all the time?
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Sep 16, 2016 08:27pm
Pakistan should get tough with Kabul, this would bring change for the good...
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Sep 16, 2016 08:27pm
Pakistan has done so much for the peace and stability of Afghanistan. Whether it's Russian invasion of Afghanistan or it's terrorists insurgency. Pakistan has always supported Afghans people and govt. But unfortunately this ungrateful nation has always been disappointing Pakistan. :-/
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Sep 16, 2016 08:29pm
Send back all Afghans and seal the border.
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Sep 16, 2016 08:31pm
@Kamal Pasha. Dont forget $100B that you've received as aid over 30 years!
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Sep 16, 2016 08:44pm
send out the Afghan refugees. They just got a billion dollar aid from India. I think they should use it on resettlement of their people.
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Sep 16, 2016 08:48pm
Why blame India or Afghanistan,if Pakistan with all its vast resources and talented hardworking people cannot do its own Marketing in the international community ? Today's world unfortunately requires more self Marketing than military power
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Sep 16, 2016 08:58pm
@Manna Singh please leave us to decide our own politics.this is only our right
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Sep 16, 2016 08:58pm
This confirms that Pakistan needs a full time and able Foreign Minister,
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Sep 16, 2016 09:04pm
This is the $1 billion Indian money talking. Just ignore the ungrateful bunch and send all the Afghan refugees back ASAP. This is me saying who have supported the Afghan refugees so far. I am getting sick and tired of Ashraf Ghani's constant whining.
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Sep 16, 2016 09:07pm
@ZINK sir.Its totally false statement.My country is the biggest recipient of US aid in the last 60 years compared to pakistan.Our dharm teaches us to be truthful sir.
http://www.dawn.com/news/1194228
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Sep 16, 2016 09:06pm
Isn't Afghan, Pakistani and India share history ,customs, food and Culture.
Irony is that only Chinese are allowed in Pakistan in this multilateral world.
Brothers don't isolate yourself, its not going to help you either..............
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Sep 16, 2016 09:09pm
@Naeem I wish your feelings were reciprocated by Indian leadership. I am noting with concern that people uniformed or ill-informed of India is doing against Pakistan talk of friendship with India.
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Sep 16, 2016 09:11pm
This is exactly how an un-elected, autocratic, dictatorial and despotic puppet regime's stooge behaves and operates like the Afghan president.
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Sep 16, 2016 09:19pm
This is how the world works. It is mostly, if not always, about quid pro quo. If Pakistan does not allow the Indian goods to pass through its territory then Afghanistan will not allow the Pakistani goods to pass through Afghanistan to Central Asia. In addition, Pakistan can get a bit of money as a " passage fee" for the Indian goods and Afghanistan can make a bit of money as a "passage fee" for Pakistani goods to Central Asia. The fundamental question for the Pakistani policy makers is to have clear achievable short term and long terms goals.The welfare of the common man and the mutual trade should fit into that policy.
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Sep 16, 2016 09:21pm
The World cannot wait for Pakistan.Afghanistan,Iran and India should prosper together.
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Sep 16, 2016 09:25pm
Since long Kabul did not have independant
Government. Most of the time puppets are installed by foreign powers to use them for their own purpose. What prompted both super powers to occupy Afghanistan? In 1979 it was USSR and in 2001 it was US and NATO. Was it Pakistan's fault?
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Sep 16, 2016 09:33pm
Pakistan want to treat Afganistan as its backyard and that is biggest problem
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Sep 16, 2016 09:43pm
India is hosting millions of pakistani and bangladeshi without even a thank u.
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Sep 16, 2016 09:43pm
@Dheeraj Afghanistan was never our friend. They never accepted us since our creation. That is something which is common between them and India.
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Sep 16, 2016 10:21pm
@Tariq Khan Please explain What nations you helped you are talking about.
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Sep 16, 2016 10:35pm
@SK Pakistan's trade with Central Asia can easily be rerouted via China!
In fact plans are under finalization!
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Sep 16, 2016 10:55pm
Pakistan must allow India for transit trade with Afghanistan.
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Sep 16, 2016 11:11pm
@Dheeraj I suggest you save the advice for yourself. Nepal and Sri Lanka can attest to that.
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Sep 17, 2016 12:09am
@Liaquat Ali Jatoi
Jatoi, I agree hundred percent.
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Sep 17, 2016 12:56am
And the Whole world is dissapointed with Pakistan's leadership behavior
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Sep 17, 2016 02:14am
One should not forget that India has given the Most Favored Nation(MFN) status to Pakistan in trade but Pakistan has never reciprocated that generosity to India.
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Sep 17, 2016 03:07am
@Warshah pakistan can trade through China to central Asian states and Russia. There is already a project under planning to get a branch of CPEC route from China to Tajikistan. In any way afghans are to lose.
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Sep 17, 2016 03:40am
@Liaquat Ali Jatoi well it's peoples fault they keep on electing him he has no leadership qualities
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Sep 17, 2016 08:35am
@Dheeraj Afghanistan was never our friend.
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Sep 17, 2016 10:12am
@SK Read again Pakistan did not block and what Afghanistan is asking is not possible at this moment.
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Sep 17, 2016 10:34am
@Hassan Try your best to make them friend may be one sided...
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Sep 17, 2016 06:03pm
@Manna Singh Let the un pay to India I will see how india can host 3 millions for thirty years, in pakistan they were free to get education, free to eat whatever they wanted
to eat including beef,
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Sep 17, 2016 07:03pm
Our Foreign Office was "disappointed" by statements made by Afghan leadership? Instead, the people of Pakistan are disappointed by our Foreign Office performance, in the absence of a full-time Foreign Minister. Why has PM Nawaz Sharif not appointed Foreign Minister for last three years?
This is failure of PM Nawaz Sharif's government, don't blame Afghanistan or anyone else. He has betrayed the mandate given by the people. We demand accountability of the government.
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