Human lives are more precious than opening trade with Afghanistan: FO

Pakistan’s Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi has made it clear that Pakistan will prefer safety and security of human lives instead of trade with Afghanistan as Afghan Taliban leader’s announcement regrading sending of 4,000 suicide bombers to Pakistan endorsed Pakistan’s position on terrorism, reported 24NewsHD TV Channel on Friday. 

In his weekly press briefing, FO Spokesman said Afghan soil was being used for terrorism by Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan. 

To a question about the restoration of Pak-Afghan trade, Tair Andrabi said in recent conflict with Afghanistan, border trade points were targeted by Afghanistan. 

He said during the last years, Pakistan has maintained contacts with Afghanistan despite casualties, TTP, and Fitna-ul-Hindustan attacks. FO spokesperson said, “We believe in protecting human lives over trade”. “We have suspended trade with Afghanistan as the reason for the trade suspension was Afghanistan's support for terrorists. 

Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan talked to the Afghan Taliban repeatedly for four years, but they crossed the threshold. He said during these four years, terrorism against Pakistan from Afghan soil has increased manifold instead of decreasing. 

To a question about death sentence to Sheikh Hasina Wajid, Pakistan said it was an internal matter of Bangladesh and the people of Bangladesh have the capacity to make their own decisions. FO spokesperson said no invitation was received from Iran yet to mediate in the Pakistan-Afghan Taliban conflict. He said Pakistan supported Iran's enrichment of uranium within permitted limits.