Khaama Press
December 13, 2015

The Afghan government slammed the Pakistani defense minister for delivering irresponsible remarks regarding the safety of trans-Afghan gas pipeline, calling it in contrast to non-interference commitments by the country’s leaders.

The statement by ARG Presidential Palace was issued earlier afternoon following Khwajah Asif’s remarks regarding the safety of the trans-Afghan gas pipeline where he said Pakistan would use it’s influence on Taliban if needed for the protection of the project.

The statement by Presidential Palace further added that Tajikistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline is one of the important economic projects in the region which was brought into the implementation stage with the continued efforts of the Afghan government, specifically engaging with the regional partners – Turkmenistan, and the foundation stone of the project was laid by the leaders of Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Pakistan and India today.

“The Afghan national security forces have the task of defending the territorial integrity and national sovereignty along with the security of Afghan citizens in accordance with the constitution and other applicable laws, and are able to protect the public and private installations, specifically the TAPI gas pipeline which will run 700 kilometers across Afghanistan,” the statement said.

It also added that the government of Afghanistan has prepared special forces for the protection of the gas pipeline, insisting that the people of Afghanistan will prevent destructive activities by insurgent groups, considering their national interests and responsibilities.

The statement also added that the recent remarks by Pakistani defense minister proves that certain Pakistani officials are still interested in interfering in internal affairs of Afghanistan and have close ties with Taliban as well as having influence on the group which proves the proves the claims of the Afghan government and people regarding interference of certain Pakistani officials in internal affairs of Afghanistan.

The Afghan government also called on Pakistani leaders to remain committed regarding their commitments in joint fight against terrorism and prevent from delivering such irresponsible remarks.