Afghan Ambassador summoned to Foreign Office on the incident of mortar shelling from Afghanistan

The Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Islamabad, Mr. Janan Mosazai, was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today. The Ministry lodged a strong protest against the mortar shelling from Afghanistan in Khyber Agency this morning at around 0900 hrs, as a result of which four Pakistani soldiers embraced Shahadat and four others were critically injured.

The Afghan Envoy was asked to urge his Government to investigate the incident and share the result of the inquiry with the Government of Pakistan. Such incidents do not augur well for the positive trajectory of relations the two sides have been able to achieve after sustained efforts.

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

The Ambassador was also requested to urge his Government to ensure the safety and security of our 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 Government of Afghanistan to enhance their security.

Islamabad
23 August 2015

316/2015