Khawaja Asif advises Afghan supporters students to seek education in Afghanistan
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has criticized Pakistani students expressing solidarity with Afghan students, saying their stance reflected political leanings rather than affection for Afghanistan, reported 24NewsHD TV.
In a statement on Sunday, Khawaja Asif said Pakistan had hosted Afghans for five decades and shared its limited resources with them and also expressed goodwill toward Afghanistan following the withdrawal of NATO forces, hoping that the border would remain secure and the two neighbouring countries would live peacefully.
The defense minister alleged that a large proportion of terrorists involved in attacks on Pakistani mosques, schools, markets and security forces were Afghan nationals. He claimed that Afghans were showing solidarity with Pakistan's "eternal enemy", India.
Asif said he, along with Pakistan's military and civilian leadership, had maintained direct and indirect contacts with Afghans, but claimed that these engagements had not reduced what he described as hostility toward Pakistan.
He strictly responded Pakistani students who are supporting Afghan students, saying their solidarity was more reflective of their political tendencies than of love for Afghanistan.
The minister further advised students supporting Afghans to seek education at an Afghan educational institution as a gesture of goodwill.
Khawaja Asif said the conduct of such Pakistani students amounted to an insult to those killed in attacks allegedly carried out by terrorists coming from Afghanistan.
He also urged them not to go so far in their support for a political party that they begin to regard Pakistani lives as less valuable.
The remarks come amid an ongoing dispute over the status of Afghan students studying in Pakistan.
The Lahore High Court has extended the suspension of a Pakistan Medical and Dental Council directive ordering Afghan medical students to return to Afghanistan; those who hold valid visas and are enrolled in valid degree programs can continue their education in Pakistan.
Reporter: Ahmed Mansoor