Senators extend support to Qasim’s family

KABUL — or upper house of the parliament — on Sunday provided cash assistance to relatives of a slain border policeman, asking the government to honour his family.

Mohammad Qasim was killed during a seven-hour clash between Afghan and Pakistani forces in the Konsari area of the Goshta district in eastern Nangarhar province on Wednesday night.

A checkpoint of Pakistan troops and a border gate recently erected on Afghan soil were destroyed in the high-stakes battle, which has sparked angry protests in a number of Afghan cities.

Deputy Chairman Mohammad Alam Ezedyar, who led Sunday’s session of the Senate, urged the government to honour the ultimate sacrifice rendered by Qasim and provide assistance to his kin.

“For helping the victim’s family, 1,000 afghanis ($18) be deducted from the salaries of all senators. Other well-off members can extend as much assistance to his family as they can,” he proposed.

Senator from eastern Kunar province, Rafiullah Haidari, stressed the government and the people should join forces to defend their motherland without counting on support from outsiders.

“It is a shame asking ISAF for the assistance in this regard. Foreign troops should equip our forces who can protect the borders,” he believed.

He also referred to Kunar Governor Fazlullah Wahidi’s claim that Pakistan troops had established a checkpoint 300 metres inside Afghan territory in the eastern province. The senator called for effective steps to beat back the aggressors.

The government should declare high alert to ensure borders security and the country’s territorial integrity, demanded another senator from Balkh, Maulvi Mahmud Danishjo.

myn/mud

Visits: 3