RECORDER REPORT

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday summoned Afghan Ambassador Janan Mosazai and handed over a demarche regarding the arrest of a Pakistani official from Consulate General in Kandahar as well as ‘unprovoked’ firing by the Afghan Border Police at Angoor Adda Gate injuring two security officials. “The Ambassador of Afghanistan was called to the Foreign Office and a demarche was made regarding detention of an official of Pakistan Consulate General at Kandahar by Afghan authorities,” said Foreign Office spokesperson Qazi Khalilullah.

He said Pakistani official was forcibly taken away and kept in detention. He said serious concern was also expressed on the unprovoked firing by the Afghan Border Police at Angoor Adda gate on Pakistan side, which resulted in injuries to two security personnel.

“It was emphasised that in view of close and brotherly relations between the two countries, which have significantly enhanced recently, such incidents should not have taken place,” he said, adding the ambassador assured that he would convey “our concerns” to higher authorities in Kabul. As a result of the strenuous efforts made by the Embassy of Pakistan in Kabul and the Ministry, the detained official was handed over to the Embassy of Pakistan in Kabul late Thursday evening, the spokesperson added.

On Thursday, Pakistan’s Ambassador in Kabul Abrar Hussain was summoned over a border clash which was prompted by construction of a gate by Pakistan at the transit point of Angoor Adda in South Waziristan.

The Pakistani Ambassador was reportedly conveyed the concerns of Afghan leadership over the construction of the border gate and cautioned that continued work could harm the mutual relationship between the two countries. The top Pakistani diplomat was also told that the violation by Pakistan was against international and diplomatic norms.

However, Foreign Office spokesperson Qazi Khalilullah Thursday told his weekly press briefing that the gate was being constructed well within the Pakistani territory.