WASHINGTON: The United States has acknowledged for the first time Pakistan’s concerns over India’s presence in Afghanistan.
In an exclusive interview with BBC Urdu Service in Washington, US Special Representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan James Dobbin said that Pakistani concerns regarding Indian presence in Afghanistan are not baseless but exaggerated.
US special envoy admitted that there are instances of anti-Pakistan elements crossing into Pakistan from the Afghan side.
Pakistan’s areas bordering Afghanistan are facing worst terrorism and Pakistan has often pointed fingers to India for its involvement in such incidents. However, voicing of such concerns never attainted international acceptance.
India has established its consulates in areas closer to Pakistani border. Currently consulates in Jalalabad and Kandahar are working apparently to participate in Afghan reconstruction. Three suicide bombers attacked Jalalabad consulate earlier this month killing scores of visa.
Apart from acknowledging Pakistan’s apprehensions, Dobbins felt that Indian presence in war torn Afghanistan is perfectly reasonable and is reflection of cultural and trade ties between two nations. India and Afghanistan does not share any border.
US special envoy also stressed the need for trilateral efforts involving United States, Pakistan and Afghanistan to effectively resolve issue of cross border infiltration.
