KABUL - Afghanistan on Monday asked Pakistan to go beyond statements of pious intent and take practical and immediate measures to help it restore peace and stability. Pakistan should take honest steps against the scourge of terrorism, a spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told a weekly media briefing in Kabul.

Janan Musazai, insisting on meaningful cooperation from the neighbor in maintaining peace, asked Islamabad to stop aiding the Taliban and encourage them to join the Afghan-led

Seeking an end to cross-border rocket strikes, he also called for the removal of the checkpoints Pakistani forces had built unilaterally near the Durand Line in Nangarhar province.

Musazai also stressed a permanent solution to the problems of Afghan refugees in Pakistan. The issues discussed were taken up at last week’s trilateral meeting in Brussels, he said.

Mere statements provided no solutions, he remarked, asking Pakistan to dismantle the gates its troops had constructed on Afghan soil in the Goshta district of Nangarhar.

At the NATO ministerial conference in Belgium, he said Foreign Minister Zalmai Rassoul had sought consistent support and lasting commitment from the international community. (Pajhwok)