Pakistan, Afghanistan armies discuss cross-border shelling

Cross border incursions discussed; officials agreed on more bilateral meetings in future.

RAWALPINDI: A delegation of Afghan army officials, headed by Director General Military Operations (DGMO) Afghan National Army Major General Afzal Aman, visited General Headquarters (GHQ) for talks over cross-border issues with Pakistani officers here on Wednesday.     

The meeting was held on the invitation of Pakistan Army to discuss Pakistan-Afghanistan border situation. The issue of cross border artillery allegedly fired by Pakistan into Afghanistan was discussed in detail.

The Afghan delegation was informed that terrorists having safe havens in Afghan provinces of Kuner and Nuristan are the cause behind the problem.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan Army only fires when its border villages or posts are physically attacked by terrorists coming from Afghanistan.

To date, 13 such cross border attacks have taken place with last being in Bajaur Agency on August 23.

There is absolutely no possibility of indiscriminate fire by Pakistan Army on Afghan forces or civilians, ISPR stated.

Other border related issues also came under discussion.               Pakistan's DGMO Maj-General Ashfaq Nadeem Ahmad thanked the Afghan delegation for accepting the invitation to the meeting.

Both sides agreed on continuation of such bilateral interactions to enhance bilateral border coordination and reduce space for detractors.

Nadeem reiterated Pakistan's national stance that peaceful, stable and united Afghanistan is in the interest of Pakistan.

The Afghan delegation thanked Pakistan Army for the invitation and agreed to the proposal of subsequent meetings.