Pak summons Afghan ambassador over killing of four soldiers

Islamabad: Pakistan on Sunday summoned the Afghan Ambassador here and lodged a strong protest over the killing of four of its soldiers in shelling from the Afghan side.

The Pakistan Foreign Office said that mortar shelling from Afghanistan hit Khyber Agency this morning as a result of which four Pakistani soldiers were killed and four others were critically injured.

"The Ministry lodged a strong protest against the shelling," the Foreign Office said.

Afghan envoy Janan Mosazai was asked to urge his government to investigate the incident and share the result of the inquiry with the Pakistan government.

"Such incidents do not augur well for the positive trajectory of relations the two sides have been able to achieve after sustained efforts," the Foreign Office said. said.

It said Pakistan fully condemns terrorism in all forms and manifestations and is willing to collaborate with Afghanistan to fight the common enemy.

"However, the attacks against our military personnel are unacceptable," the Foreign Office said.

The Afghan Ambassador said that he would convey the message to the concerned authorities and look into the incident. He expressed his condolences on the killing of the Pakistani soldiers.

The Ambassador was also requested to urge his Government to ensure the safety and security of Pakistani personnel at the Embassy and Consulates and Pakistani diaspora in Afghanistan.

He assured that Afghanistan attaches great importance to the security of Pakistani personnel and instructions in this regard had already been issued by the Afghan government to enhance their security.