Afghanistan coordinates attacks on Pakistan, alleges Asif

In a new addition to the already strained Islamabad-Kabul bilateral relationship, Pakistan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Khawaja Muhammad Asif purported that majority of the attacks carried out in his country have been coordinated from Afghanistan.

The minister said 125 of the 128 attacks in Pakistan were coordinated from Afghanistan, reported the Khaama Press.

The issue was raised before the delegation of the United States officials led by Secretary of Defense James Mattis, who arrived in Pakistan on Monday.

Asif stated that Mattis was conveyed that it is the understanding which they need and not the aid.

Mattis, who held talks with the Pakistani civil and military leadership on Monday, said the purpose of his visit was to find common grounds in order to create a positive, consistent and long-term relationship with Pakistan.

A US embassy statement issued after Mattis met with Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Minister of Defence Khurram Dastigir Khan, said the US Defence Secretary reiterated that Pakistan must redouble its efforts to confront militants and terrorists operating within the country.

He emphasised the vital role that Pakistan can play in working with the United States and others to facilitate a peace process in Afghanistan and bring back stability and security to the region.

The latest remarks by Asif come as Kabul and Islamabad steadily purport that the attacks in the two countries are being plotted and carried out by the safe havens located in the two countries.