Pakistan summons Afghan Chargé d’Affaires over Chaman Incident
By Khushal Khan
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Foreign Ministry on Friday summoned the Afghan Chargé d’Affaires in Islamabad and lodged strong protest over latest firing on civilian population at Chaman border.
"Pakistan’s strong condemnation over recent incidents of unprovoked cross-border shelling by Afghan Border Security Forces in the Chaman-Spin Boldak area, resulting in loss of life, injuries and damage to property, was conveyed," said the foreign ministry in a statement.
It was reiterated that protection of civilians remained the responsibility of both sides and that recurrence of these incidents must be prevented. It was agreed to use established institutional mechanisms in this regard.
"Pakistan remains committed to maintaining fraternal relations with Afghanistan. Peace along the Pak-Afghan border is intrinsic to this end," its said.
On Thursday, at least one person killed and 20 others including women and children wounded when Afghan Taliban again targeted Pakistani civilian population in cross-border firing near Chaman border.
Earlier, On Sunday, at least seven people were killed and 16 others wounded in Chaman, when Taliban fighters fired artillery shell on civilian population.
