Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan has said that cross-border terrorism originating from Afghanistan remains at the top of the agenda in all interactions with the Kabul administration.
He also revealed that eight Pakistani nationals, including Asif Merchant and Muhammad Pehlwan, are currently detained in the United States on various criminal charges.
Addressing the weekly media briefing on Friday, the FO spokesperson said that Pakistan’s security forces continue to act against terrorist groups operating within the country’s borders to safeguard its citizens.
“Cross-border terrorism from Afghanistan is a key issue we consistently raise with the Afghan authorities. Protecting our state and citizens is Pakistan’s foremost responsibility,” he said.
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Khan emphasised that Pakistan believes Afghanistan must reclaim full control over its security and territorial integrity.
“Afghanistan should take decisive action against terrorist groups operating within its territory, particularly against the group known as Fitna al-Khawarij,” the spokesperson added.
He said that the schedule for the Afghan foreign minister’s visit to Pakistan has yet to be finalized, but both sides are working on the details.
To a question about the Nobel Peace Prize, the FO spokesperson said Pakistan made a decision to nominate Trump based on his important and positive role in the de-escalation of tensions between Pakistan and India in May, leading to the ceasefire.
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Responding to a question, Khan confirmed that eight Pakistani citizens, including Asif Merchant and Muhammad Pehlwan, are currently in US custody on different criminal charges.
“Muhammad Pehlwan has been indicted by US authorities on terrorism-related charges but has not yet been sentenced. Once sentencing is complete, he will serve his remaining term in Pakistan. His travel documents are being prepared,” the spokesperson said.
Pehlwan was charged with transporting weapons to the Houthis in Yemen from Iran. He was among four suspects detained on Jan 11, 2024 in an operation conducted by the US Navy Seals off the coast of Somalia in the Arabian Sea.
He added that Asif Merchant’s case is also under consideration in a US court.
Merchant was reportedly charged in the United States in connection with a foiled assassination attempt against US President Donald Trump.
According to a criminal complaint, the 46-year-old sought to recruit individuals in the US to carry out the plot. The attempt was allegedly in retaliation for the US killing of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards’ top commander, Qasem Soleimani, in 2020.
Merchant, who prosecutors allege spent time in Iran before travelling to the US, was charged with murder for hire in federal court in Brooklyn, New York. A federal judge ordered his detention on July 16, according to court records.
