From Delhi, Af minister issues stern warning to Pak

Visiting minister Amir Khan Muttaqi says Kabul will pursue 'other options' if peace fails; strong message follows deadly border clash

- JAYANTH JACOB @New Delhi

TALIBAN-ruled Afghanistan's acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, who is on a sixday visit to India, on Sunday issued a stern warning to Pakistan from Indian soil that Kabul has "other options" if Islamabad refuses diplomacy. His strong remarks come amid deadly border clashes and growing hostility between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

"The people of Pakistan, in the majority, are peace loving... We have no issues with civilians," Muttaqi said at a New Delhi press conference, adding "certain sections" in Pakistan are creating trouble.

"Afghanistan will safeguard its national interest," he said, adding Kabul had already retaliated to border violations.