Afghan envoy wants reduction of tension with Pakistan

Afghanistan ambassador to Pakistan Omar Zakhilwal has called for reduction of tension with Pakistan, after a series of recent terrorist attacks here killed over 100 people in just five days.

Pakistan said that militants who claimed the attacks operated from the Afghan side of the border. Troops of the two countries also involved in cross-border rocketing in the past few days.

Zakhilwal said he had a "very good meeting" with Pakistan Foreign Affairs Adviser Sartaj Aziz and also had a "constrictive and positive talk" in the army headquarters from his return from Kabul on Monday.

"I expect de-escalation of the current tension and the creation of a more positive environment for responding to each other's concerns in a cooperative manner," the ambassador said in a statement.

He handed over a list of 32 "terrorist centers" which the terrorist groups use against Afghanistan to the Pakistani authorities.

A statement said the list includes the names of 85 senior members and leaders of the Taliban and other terrorist groups who are responsible for "crimes against the Afghan people."

"The initial response of the Pakistani authorities was positive this morning and we hope that the government of Pakistan takes practical steps in this regard," it said.

Pakistan also handed over a list of most wanted terrorists to Afghan embassy officials after a deadly suicide attack in a shrine in Sehwan area in Sindh Province last week. Endit