The Prime Minister’s scheduled visit to Russia tomorrow has been cancelled due to heightened tensions around the region.
The Pakistan-Russia Business Forum to be held on March 4, has also been cancelled due to growing tensions and security conditions arising out of continuing Pak-Afghan war.
Officials in the government confirmed that there has been a formal decision to call off the forum and relevant delegations have been informed accordingly.
The forum had been originally envisaged as a way to promote interaction between more than 100 Pakistani companies and their Russian business counterparts for boosting trade and economic ties.
However, prevailing regional instability and concern over security and operational conditions have caused it to be cancelled.
Meanwhile Federal Minister for Planning and Development, Ahsan Iqbal, has asked the Afghan authorities to take serious action against terrorist hideouts operating from their territory.
In a recent statement in an interview with a private television channel, he emphasised on the need to dismantle these safe havens for sustainable peace and stability of the region.
He said that Pakistan has repeatedly raised concerns with Afghan officials with regards to militant groups allegedly using Afghan soil to launch attacks inside Pakistan.
He went on to add that Islamabad wants credible assurances and concrete actions from Kabul for the effective management of terrorism and prevention of cross-border militancy.
The government insists that permanent peace combines effective counterterrorism collaboration and accountability.
The warfare between Pakistan and Afghan Taliban troops has taken a turn in the last few days after the cross border skirmishes.
Pakistan retaliated with targeted assaults on the positions of the militants, as a retaliation for the attacks coming from over the border.
The international community has called for de-escalation and called for immediate engagement in diplomacy to avoid further escalation.
Also read: Pakistan-Russia business forum cancelled amid Pak Afghan war
