Rukhsanda Tasneem, Deputy Chief Organizer of the Rising Pakistan Movement, speaking in Islamabad appealed to both sides to exercise patience and restraint amid rising Pakistan Afghanistan border tensions. She urged parties involved to choose calm measures to prevent further escalation and to keep channels of communication open.
Rukhsanda Tasneem emphasized that Afghanistan is an Islamic neighbour with historic ties to Pakistan and that maintaining good relations with neighbouring countries is important for regional stability. She called the recent period of heightened tension inappropriate given the long-standing connections between the two countries.
At the same time she underlined that when Pakistan faces terrorism within its own borders and when security forces, mosques and schools have been targeted by hostile activities, the state must adopt whatever course of action is necessary to protect citizens and institutions. Tasneem said the people of Pakistan stand with their government and security forces as measures are taken to address the situation, while continuing to urge restraint to avoid wider conflict.
