Pakistan lodges protest with Afghanistan over Bajaur Taliban attack

Pakistan denies it shelled Afghan civilians, clarifying that troops and aviation only fired at attackers.


Web Desk May 31, 2014
One soldier was killed and two others were injured when over 200 Taliban fighters mounted a cross-border attack on an army checkpost in Bajaur. PHOTO: REUTERS/FILE

ISLAMABAD: After a military check post came under heavy attack from the Taliban in Bajaur early on Saturday, Pakistan lodged a formal complaint with Afghanistan.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan summoned the Afghan Charge d’ Affairs in Islamabad and a protest was lodged.

The matter was also taken up by the Pakistan ambassador in Kabul who contacted the Afghan Foreign Ministry to complain about the issue.

The attack on the military post on Nao Top in Bajaur Agency had left one soldier dead and injured two others. As many as 14 Taliban were also killed as Pakistani forces repulsed the attack.

The statement further added that Pakistan troops responded with artillery and aviation support. However, any allegations about shelling on Afghan civilians inside Afghanistan were incorrect. “Pakistan aviation only fired on attacking terrorists,” the statement read.

“Pakistan's concerns about miscreants attacking from the other side of the border have been repeatedly shared with Afghan authorities. We hope effective steps would be taken to prevent recurrence of such incidents”.

The statement added that Pakistan would continue to exercise restraint and make efforts to maintain conducive environment for constructive engagement.

“We remain committed to maintaining a tranquil border especially in the run-up to second round of Afghan elections.”

COMMENTS (15)

furqan | 9 years ago | Reply

there is little point in protesting against afghans, one must recognise the real powers behind the game,and must plan the strategy accordingly. US and allies are enemy to Pakistan by there deeds and are after our integrety.There is only one way to cope them and that is to grow STRONGER.Develop the country ,industrialise it ,distribute the wealth to the masses, so that they own the country. These powers can dare to mess with an atomic power country but can not dare to mess with a self sufficient develop country backed by billions of people.Although recent success against one of their fitna has been great but they will come with fitnas after fitnas as long as they will see you weak and dependable. I believe that mere instinct of your intentions in right directions would refrain enemy from mischieveiousnes, and even if ALLAH forbids failure is destined against this titanic enemy go down fighting instead of getting slow poison which is more painful and twitching for the nation. May ALLAH be protector and healer of Pakistan ameen.

Agha Shehroon | 9 years ago | Reply Pakistan vs the world !
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