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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday said that the country&rsquo;s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-strikes-7-ttp-iskp-terrorist-camps-near-afghan-border" style="color:#0073e6;">precision airstrikes</a>&nbsp;on seven terrorist camps and hideouts along the Pakistan&ndash;Afghanistan border were &ldquo;rooted in its inherent right to defend its people against terrorism emanating from across its borders, and follow repeated warnings that went unheeded.&rdquo;&nbsp; According to the country&rsquo;s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the strikes targeted camps linked to Fitna al Khwarij groups, Islamabad&rsquo;s term for Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, and Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), responsible for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/un-condemns-heinous-cowardly-islamabad-mosque-suicide-bombing-in-strongest-terms" style="color:#0073e6;">recent attacks</a>&nbsp;on Pakistani soil. Earlier this month, a suicide bombing near Islamabad martyred numerous people and injured more than 100 during Friday prayers, the city administration said. In a press release issued by the Press Information Department, the president said that Pakistan had cautioned the international community that &ldquo;when terrorist groups are allowed space, facilitation or impunity beyond national borders, the consequences are borne by innocent civilians all over the world.&rdquo; &nbsp; The president said that it was a matter of deep concern that the authorities in Kabul continued to permit terrorist elements to operate from Afghan soil in violation of their commitments under the Doha Accord.&nbsp; Referring to the United Nations Security Council&rsquo;s report, President Zardari said that it reinforced Pakistan&rsquo;s long-standing position, observing that the assessment made it &ldquo;clear that the presence and activities of these organizations pose serious threats to neighboring countries, including Pakistan.&rdquo;&nbsp; He said it is regrettable that despite clear warnings and repeated engagement, the Afghan authorities failed to take credible and verifiable action against these elements. He reaffirmed that Pakistan &ldquo;exercised restraint for a considerable period and confined its response to terrorist hideouts located near the border areas,&rdquo; however, the country was &ldquo;fully aware of where the planners, facilitators and patrons of violence are based.&rdquo;&nbsp; &ldquo;If bloodshed continues inside Pakistan, those responsible will not remain beyond reach,&rdquo; the president said, according to the press release. The president said that Pakistan sought &ldquo;peace, stability and cooperative relations with all its neighbors,&rdquo; but peace could not &ldquo;rest on denial, duplicity or inaction against terrorism.&rdquo; &ldquo;The protection of Pakistani lives remains paramount and non-negotiable,&rdquo; President Zardari said.

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Foreign Affairs

The president says “matter of deep concern” that the authorities in Kabul continue to permit terrorists elements to operate from Afghan soil despite Doha Accord; adds UNSC’s report reinforces country’s long-standing position. 

Articles tagged with "Airstrikes"

Cross-border precision strikes rooted in right to self-defense: President Zardari

Cross-border precision strikes rooted in right to self-defense: President Zardari