Pakistan summons Afghan diplomat after border clash

Pakistan’s foreign ministry has summoned Afghan charge d’affaires in Islamabad following the latest clash between security forces of the two countries at the Spin Boldak-Chaman crossing.

“Pakistan’s strong condemnation over recent incidents of unprovoked cross-border shelling by Afghan Border Security Forces in the Chaman-Spin Boldak area, resulting in loss of life, injuries and damage to property, was conveyed,” Pakistan’s foreign ministry said in a statement released on Friday.

It was reiterated that protection of civilians remained the responsibility of both sides and that recurrence of these incidents must be prevented, according to the statement.

The sides agreed to use established institutional mechanisms in this regard.

“Pakistan remains committed to maintaining fraternal relations with Afghanistan. Peace along the Pak-Afghan border is intrinsic to this end,” the statement added.

Multiple people have reportedly been injured in Thursday’s clash between Pakistani and Afghan forces.