Senators seek tit-for-tat response to Pakistan

KABUL’s rocket strikes, warning the cross-border attacks threatened security for the runoff presidential elections.

An upper house member from central Parwan province, Mir Hussain Sadiqi, accused Pakistan of trying to keep the pot boiling in Afghanistan to achieve its nefarious designs.

Pakistan had resumed cross-border incursions in recent days, he alleged, saying Afghanistan would remain mired in problems as long as the government dithered on a befitting response to the neighbour’s aggression.

The run-off election is scheduled for June 14 between the two leading candidates, Dr Abdullah Abdullah and Dr Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai.

A member from Bamyan province, Hidayatullah Rihayee, also said Afghanistan should react sternly to Pakistani raids and the problem should be resolved through diplomatic channels.

“Pakistan attacks Afghanistan every day; it should face a strong reaction,” he observed, asking the government not to remain silent.

Another lawmaker from Paktia province, Bahram Samkani, expressed a similar view and said some militants had also entered Afghanistan from the other side of the border.

First Deputy Chairman Mohammad Alam Ezedyar, who chaired the session, said security officials should be summoned for questioning on the emotive issue.

Earlier, Interior Minister Mohammad Umar Daudzai had said Pakistani rocket attacks were intolerable. “We need to remind Pakistan that we can’t sit as silent spectators.”

Last week, Afghan, Pakistani and ISAF and security during the crucial elections.

mds/rm/mud

Visits: 2