Dangerous border: Two Pakistanis die in Afghanistan blast

Shepherds likely fell prey to landmines along Pak-Afghan border.

QUETTA:

Two Pakistani nationals died on Monday in an explosion on the Afghanistan side of the Pak-Afghan border close to district Qila Saifullah, 200 miles north of Quetta.

Providing details of the incident, Home Secretary Balochistan, Asad Gilani told Express Tribune, “They went to other side of the border and died in an explosion. It is yet to be ascertained whether they were killed in a hand grenade attack or a landmine explosion.” He added that local officials were investigating the incident.

So far, the bodies of the victims have not been handed over to Pakistani authorities. “The investigations are under way and we have contacted officials on the other side of the border,” said Assistant Commissioner Hamid Rehman.

While the identities of the victims have not been established, they are said to be residents of Bidini, a border town in district Qila Saifullah, with sources adding that both individuals were likely to be shepherds who had crossed over into Afghanistan along with their livestock.

“Afghan forces have laid down landmines along some infrequent routes. The twin deaths could be the result of a landmine explosion,” a local official said on the condition of anonymity.

Meanwhile, home secretary Balochistan has said that a team has been dispatched to ensure that both bodies are transported back to Pakistan at the earliest.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 15^th, 2014.