Afghanistan summons Pakistani envoy, lodges protest over cross-border shelling

Deputy foreign minister Atiqullah Atifmal conveyed "serious concerns" to Pakistan's ambassador in Kabul

Afghanistan on Tuesday summoned Pakistan’s ambassador in Kabul and lodged a strong protest over "Pakistani troops shelling" in eastern Kunar province.

The Afghan Foreign Ministry said that deputy foreign minister Atiqullah Atifmal had "conveyed serious concerns" to the Pakistani envoy Abrar Hussain.

"Eight Afghan security personnel had been killed in Nari district of Kunar province and the shelling also caused huge losses to property," an Afghan Foreign Ministry said.

The Afghan deputy foreign minister complained that "it is not the first time Pakistani troops fired into Afghan side of the Durand Line. The Pakistani ambassador has been summoned several times; however, there has been no change in Pakistan's policy."

Atiqullah said Afghanistan wants Pakistan to help Kabul towards ensuring security for the people of Afghanistan.

"Such Pakistani attacks and actions are could harm bilateral relations," the statement said.

The Foreign Ministry said the ambassador had promised to convey “Afghanistan's concerns to the officials.”