Pak troops responded to Afghan firing at Chaman border in self-defence: FO
She said Pakistan side activated both military and diplomatic channels to de-escalate situation
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Afghan forces opened unprovoked fire on innocent civilians gathered towards Pakistan’s side of the international border on Thursday (July 30) at the Friendship Gate Chaman.
In a statement on Friday, Foreign Office Spokesperson Aisha Farooqui said that Pakistan troops deployed on the posts were also simultaneously engaged by Afghan posts. Pakistan troops responded to protect our local population and acted only in self-defence.
It is reiterated that Pakistan Force did not open fire first and responded in self-defence only, she said.
She said the Pakistan side immediately activated both military and diplomatic channels to de-escalate the situation and it was after hectic efforts that the firing was stopped from Afghan side.
The spokesperson said that it must be noted that the borders with Afghanistan were opened for pedestrian movement and trade, upon the request of the Afghan authorities.
Farooqui said: “Pakistan is undertaking concerted efforts to ensure regulated movement of trade between the two countries, which are being challenged by elements opposed to such regulation. Moreover, due to Eid ul Azha, pedestrians’ move was also allowed. People gathered for this purpose were deliberately targeted by Afghan forces for incomprehensible reasons.”
She said this unfortunate incident resulted in numerous casualties and deliberate/serious damage to State infrastructure on the Pakistan side, adding that there were, reportedly, unfortunate losses on the Afghan side as well. “All this could have been avoided if fire had not been initiated from the Afghan side,” she added.
“Pakistan reiterates its sincere readiness to further enhance fraternal relations with Afghanistan in the interest of peace and stability in the region,” Farooqui said and added we hope our constructive efforts will be reciprocated.
