PM strongly condemns ‘unprovoked firing’ by Afghan forces

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Monday strongly condemned the unprovoked shelling and firing by Afghan Border Forces at Chaman, Balochistan resulting in martyrdom of several Pakistani citizens.

On his official Twitter handle, the Prime Minister said the deaths were unfortunate, and "deserve the strongest condemnation". 

"The Afghan interim government should ensure that such incidents are not repeated," he added. 

Unprovoked shelling & fire by Afghan Border Forces at Chaman resulting in martyrdom of several Pakistani citizens & injuring more than a dozen is unfortunate & deserves the strongest condemnation. The Afghan Interim government should ensure that such incidents are not repeated.

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) December 12, 2022

On Sunday, at least six Pakistani civilians and one Afghan soldier were killed in cross-border shelling and gunfire.

Afghan security sources said the clash started after Pakistani forces demanded Afghan forces stop building a new checkpost on their side of the border.

Reportedly, the situation had returned to normal after the two sides held a meeting.

Officials on both sides said that the busy Afghan border crossing at Chaman, used for trade and transit, was closed for some hours before reopening. 

The crossing was closed for several days last month after similar clashes.