No safe havens for terrorists in Pakistan, says Defence Minister Khurram Dastgir

ISLAMABAD - Minister for Defence Khurram Dastgir affirmed on Tuesday that there were no 'safe havens' for terrorists in Pakistan.

Addressing a meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Defence, the minister rejected the declaration naming terrorist groups in the region by leaders of member countries at the BRICS Summit and claimed that 40% of Afghanistan was a safe hideout for militants.

"Pakistan has taken action against all groups on its soil and only the remnants of some are left," he added.

Citing a report by the US Inspector General for Afghan Reconstruction, Dastagir said of the 407 Afghan districts, only 57% are under control of Afghan civil government.

The minister stated that Pakistan’s defence was in strong hands, and unnecessary threats are being raised after US President Donald Trump announced the Afghan war policy with threats against Pakistan.

Dastgir further stated that any wrong step of America can take this region toward instability.

https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/world/brics-calls-for-holding-patrons-of-terrorism-accountable/

"The foreign minister will consult regional partners and then proceed to the US," he said when asked about Pakistan's plan following US President Donald Trump's recent "anti-Pakistan" comments.

"This will result in better engagement as we want to resolve all matters peacefully since any American action in Pakistan will cause instability," he added.

In response to a query, the defence minister said strict surveillance is being conducted of Pakistan’s ground, aerial and naval borders, adding that the country faces no danger of foreign aggression.

On the humanitarian crisis facing Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, Dastgir said the issue is being reviewed and a policy will soon be announced.