Pakistan summons Afghan Charge d' Affairs over border firing

Chaman [Pakistan], May 5 (ANI): Pakistan on Friday summoned the Afghanistan Embassy's Charge d' Affairs to lodge a strong protest over the unprovoked firing by Afghan forces in the Chaman area, which it said has resulted in the martyrdom of several Pakistani citizens and injuring many, including women and children. Pakistan's Foreign Office called on Kabul to take immediate steps to bring an end to the unprovoked firing from the Afghan side and demanded action against those responsible for the violation. Pakistan also apprised that firing from Afghan side not only led to the loss of precious lives, but also disrupted the census process in areas on the Pakistan side of the border and caused damage to properties. Three persons were killed and 21 injured, as Afghan forces fired at Frontier Corps (FC) personnel detailed for the security of a census team, early on Friday, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. During the cross-border attack, mortar shells fired from the Afghan side hit houses in a village of Kali Luqman. At least three children are among the injured and two of the victims are said to be in critical condition. Major General Asif Ghafoor, Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) posted a tweet confirming the attack and shared a ISPR press release stating, "Since 30th April, Afghan Border Police had been creating hurdles in [the] conduct of census in divided villages of Killi Luqman and Killi Jahangir in Chaman area, on Pakistani side of the border. This was done despite the fact that Afghan authorities had been informed well in advance and coordination was carried out through diplomatic and military channels for conduct of census. Exchange of fire continues. Chaman crossing closed."(ANI)