In the wake of continued wave of attacks rattling Afghanistan, President Ashraf Ghani lambasted Pakistan, saying it was “still sending a message of war”.
Ghani was speaking after Kabul airport was targeted by a Taliban suicide blast that killed four and injured 17.
In what was apparently a reference to Pakistan, the President said, “We know exactly who wants to hinder peace in Afghanistan and why”.
Blaming Islamabad directly, Ghani said, “Pakistan still remains as venue and ground for gatherings from which mercenaries send us message of war”.
Ghani further claimed that terrorism’s safe havens and bomb-making factories exist in Pakistan.
Comparing Kabul attacks to Peshawar school attack, Ghani said, both were landmark events that could change the game for both countries.
Ghani questioned Pakistan what their reaction would be if similar terror attacks occurred in Islamabad.
“Afghanistan’s relationship with Pakistan doesn’t mean anything if bloodshed continues here,” Ghani added.
Cranking up pressure on Islamabad, Ghnai said, “if Pakistan could not bring Taliban to negotiation table, they can close their centers and send them to trial”.
He added that Pakistan’s decision in the upcoming weeks will have a direct impact on Afghanistan’s relations with them.
Ghani’s comments came after a Taliban suicide attack targeted Kabul airport on Monday, killing four. Also, 29 were killed in Taliban attack on Afghanistan yesterday. And on Friday, over 51 were killed in three separate attacks that was considered as Taliban’s outburst after a power struggle within its ranks following the reports of death of Mullah Omar.
Yesterday, Ghani had telephoned Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif to discuss the ongoing reconciliation process with Afghan Taliban.
