Kabul lodges protest with Islamabad over shelling

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday summoned the Pakistani ambassador over artillery shelling into eastern Kunar and Nuristan provinces, an official said.

The Foreign Ministry shared Afghanistan’s concerns over the periodic shelling into border villages with Ambassador Ibrar Hussain.

Deputy Foreign Minister Irshad Ahmadi said a protest was lodged with the Pakistani envoy over the cross-border shelling and a recent attempt by Pakistani forces to establish a post at a Zero-Point area along the Durand Line.

Ahmadi told Hussain Afghanistan was deeply concerned about the shelling, which he warned could undermine relations between the neighbours.    

He said such attacks not only caused life and properly losses to Afghan families, but also angered the Afghan nation.

The deputy foreign minister said Afghanistan was currently passing through a critical political phase as the Afghans were heading to the historic June 14 presidential runoff elections.

He said Afghanistan wanted Pakistan to take serious steps for bringing to a complete halt the unprovoked attacks on Afghanistan.

For his part, the Pakistani Ambassador promised he would convey Afghanistan’s concerns and demands to the authorities in Islamabad.

The ambassador was summoned after US commander in Afghanistan Gen. Joseph F. Dunford told President Hamid Karzai the media often exaggerated the attacks.   

mrh/ma

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