Russian minister's remarks on Daesh militant movements from Pakistan 'slip of tongue': foreign ministry

Published February 1, 2019
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zhakharova. ─ Photo courtesy Radio Pakistan
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zhakharova. ─ Photo courtesy Radio Pakistan

The Russian Foreign Ministry on Friday dismissed Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Igor Zubov's recent remarks about the alleged movement of Daesh militants from Pakistan to Tajikistan via helicopter as a "slip of tongue", Radio Pakistan reported.

Zubov had reportedly said on Jan 28 that fighters with ties to the militant Islamic State (IS) group were being transferred via unidentified helicopters from the Pakistani border to the Tajikistani border "in the direction of the southern borders of Russia".

The minister had also claimed that Moscow may be preparing for provocations that affect Russia, Sputnik reported.

Read more: Russia invites Taliban, anti-govt leaders for talks

However, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zhakharova dismissed Zubov's remarks during a weekly press briefing today, saying that they were a "slip of the tongue".

She added that Russia and Pakistan share common concerns regarding the growing momentum of Daesh militants and their expansion in the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border area.

Zhakharova said that Moscow is closely cooperating with Islamabad in the fight against terrorism and advancing the peace process in Afghanistan.

The Russian official highlighted the "great contribution" made by all countries bordering Afghanistan, and said that Moscow will serve as a reliable partner in every effort to ensure security of borders, according to Radio Pakistan.

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

PAKISTAN has now registered 50 polio cases this year. We all saw it coming and yet there was nothing we could do to...
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...