M.J. Akbar takes dig at Afghanistan's neighbour

Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs M.J. Akbar stated that 'a certain neighbour of Afghanistan has consistently chosen violence, disruption and deceit as its only contribution to the region.'

Speaking at the 7th Heart of Asia Ministerial conference on Afghanistan, Akbar stated, "While several countries, including India, have striven hard to improve the socio-economic and security situation inside Afghanistan, a certain neighbour of Afghanistan has consistently chosen violence, extremism, disruption and deceit as its only contribution to the region."

He used the occasion to make an indirect reference to Pakistan by saying that while many concerned members of the international community have invested billions of dollars to reinstate peace, prosperity and stability in Afghanistan, one nation was investing in death, destruction and destabilisation.

Underscoring that the violence in Afghanistan is nurtured in Balochistan's capital city, Quetta, he said, "When we discuss Afghanistan's security, we cannot do so without recognising that the fountainhead of violence in Afghanistan is nurtured in the city of Quetta, which has become the biggest sanctuary and export-hub of terrorism."

In a subtle tone, the minister emphasized, "The world knows the truth, particularly when evidence is plain and plentiful."

"The world cannot remain silent, for silence is an invitation to continued havoc," he added.

The 'Heart of Asia' - Istanbul Process is an important regional platform for political dialogue and close regional cooperation aimed at promoting stability, peace and prosperity in the Heart of Asia region, and for enhancing Afghanistan's connectivity with the entire region.

The countries that participated in the conference are Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Nations.