Pak’s selective approach towards terrorism affects bilateral ties: Report

At a time when the ties between the two countries seemed to be improving, especially after the Foreign Secretary Jaishankar’s visit, India on Thursday cited Pakistan’s support to terrorist activities and “selective approach in tackling terrorist groups operating from its territory” as causing severe “ramifications” on bilateral relations.

The Defence Ministry’s annual report released on Thursday said that Pakistan continues to remain home for several non-state actors with North Western Frontier Province (NWFP) serving as the fountainhead for terrorist activity.

The report added that “Pakistan’s quest for strategic depth in Afghanistan continues to drive its policy to support Taliban and its affiliates in Afghanistan” and said “the expanding footprints of extremist and terrorist organisations and their linkages with terrorist activities in J&K and rest of India poses a major security challenge to India with severe ramification on bilateral relations.”

Stating the use of terrorism as instrument of state policy has deep roots in Pakistani military establishment, it said ceasefire violations from across the border continue “unabated”, when India remains committed to “resolving all outstanding issues” through peaceful, bilateral dialogue.

Source:: Indian Express