Pakistan lodges protest with Afghanistan over firing from Afghan territory

Islamabad [Pakistan], Mar. 6 (ANI): Pakistan on Monday registered protest with Afghanistan over the killing of five Pakistani soldiers by terrorists firing from Afghanistan soil. "Government of Pakistan has launched a strong protest with the Afghan Government over the shahadat of five Pakistani soldiers at Pakistan military post in Mohmand Agency and one soldier in Khyber agency as a result of firing by terrorists from Afghan territory," said a statement issued by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The statement added that in this regard, Afghan Deputy Head of Mission was called to the Foreign Office today for conveying Pakistan's grave concern over the incident. "The Afghan Government was urged to thoroughly investigate the incidents and take firm action against the terrorists operating from its soil to prevent recurrence of such incidents. It was further emphasized that cooperation from Afghan side for effective border management was important for preventing cross-border movement of terrorists and militants," the statement said. Earlier, Pakistan army's military media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement that last night terrorists from across the border attempted physical attack on three Pakistan border posts in Mohmand Agency. During the attack at least five Pakistan Army soldiers and more than 10 militants have reportedly been killed. Pakistan and Afghanistan have accused each other over harbouring terrorists, and the issue came into the spotlight once again following the recent string of terrorist attacks in Pakistan, which claimed over 100 lives. Pakistan reacted angrily and closed border crossings with Afghanistan, demanded handover of 76 wanted terrorists and shelled alleged terrorist hideouts on the Afghan side of the border. (ANI)