Offensive proves Pak territory being used to destabilize Afghanistan: Abdullah

Quetta (Pakistan) June 16 (ANI): Afghanistan's presidential hopeful Dr Abdullah Abdullah has said that the ongoing military operation against the Taliban in Pakistan proves that "Pakistani territory is being used by the Taliban and their supporters to destabilize Pakistan, Afghanistan and the entire region".

Addressing a press conference, Abdullah urged hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees residing in Pakistan to vote for him in the August elections.

"I am not anti-Pakistan. I personally worked hard to facilitate the Kabul Declaration between the two neighbours, which subsequently led to the arrangement of further jirgas and meetings to address bilateral disputes and issues of mutual interest. I am an advocate of friendly relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan," the Daily Times quoted him, as saying.

Abdullah also extended a hand of cooperation to Islamabad in combating terrorism, "a menace faced by both countries".

If elected the new Afghan president, he pledged to improve Afghanistan's diplomatic relations with the Muslim world, including Pakistan.

"If I am elected the president of my country, my top-most priority would be to improve relations with the Muslim world, including Pakistan. We would like to carry on our struggle to combat terrorism," he said. (ANI)