ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan military on Saturday urged the Taliban administration in Kabul to ensure robust border management after a group of militants tried to infiltrate from Afghanistan, leading to a skirmish that left four infiltrators and a soldier dead.
Relations between Islamabad and Kabul have deteriorated in recent years as militant violence surged in Pakistan, fueled by attacks from Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Pakistani officials blame the TTP for the escalating violence, accusing the Afghan authorities of turning a blind eye to militants using their territory to launch cross-border attacks.
However, Kabul denies these allegations, insisting that Pakistan’s internal security is its own responsibility.
“On night 19/20 December, movement of a group of khwarij [TTP militants], trying to infiltrate through Pakistan-Afghanistan border, was picked up by the security forces in general area Rajgal, Khyber District,” the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations, said in a statement. “Own troops effectively engaged and thwarted their attempt to infiltrate. Resultantly, four Khwarij were sent to hell.”
The statement noted that one of the soldiers, Sepoy Amir Sohail Afridi, also lost his life amid intense exchange of fire.
“Pakistan has consistently been asking Interim Afghan Government to ensure effective border management on their side of the border,” it continued. “Interim Afghan Government is expected to fulfil its obligations and deny the use of Afghan soil by Khwarij for perpetuating acts of terrorism against Pakistan.”
The ISPR statement comes after media reported a deadly attack on a military outpost in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa which was targeted by 30 militants from three sides. According to anonymous intelligence sources, the attack left 16 soldiers dead. The TTP claimed responsibility for targeting the outpost in a statement that described the attack as a retaliation to the recent killings of its top commanders.
The Pakistan military reiterated in its statement it remained committed to securing the borders. It added that its soldiers would also fight to eliminate the menace of militant violence.
Islamabad urges Afghanistan to boost border security as infiltration attempt kills five
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Islamabad urges Afghanistan to boost border security as infiltration attempt kills five
- Military says four TTP fighters and a soldier were killed as militants tried to enter Pakistani territory
- Statement comes after media reported a deadly attack on a military outpost that killed 16 soldiers
Pakistan’s Lahore marks Basant festival after government lifts decades-old ban on kite flying
- Pakistan’s Punjab province outlawed Basant in 2000s after authorities linked metal-coated kite strings and celebratory gunfire to multiple deaths and injuries
- The three-day festivities began after midnight on Thursday as residents gathered on brightly lit rooftops to fly colorful kites to welcome the cultural festival
ISLAMABAD: The eastern Pakistani city of Lahore on Friday welcomed the return of Basant spring festival after the government this year lifted a more than two-decade-old ban on kite flying for a period three days, with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz urging masses to follow precautions.
Provincial officials, including Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari, were seen flying kites in videos widely shared online. Meanwhile, the prices of air tickets from various Pakistani cities to Lahore have skyrocketed during the three days of the festival as more and more people try to join the celebrations after over a 20-year-hiatus.
Basant, once a vibrant tradition signaling the arrival of spring with colorful kites and rooftop festivities, was outlawed in Pakistan’s Punjab province in the 2000s after authorities linked metal-coated kite strings and celebratory gunfire to multiple deaths and injuries.
The government of CM Nawaz this year allowed Basant festivities in the provincial capital of Lahore, Pakistan’s cultural heart, on Feb. 6-8, but issued an extensive safety plan regarding kite materials and motorcyclists and pedestrians to avoid any untoward incident.
The three-day festivities began after midnight on Thursday as residents of Lahore gathered on their brightly lit rooftops along with family, friends and guests visiting from other cities and abroad to fly colorful kites to welcome the return of Basant.
“Kites return to the skies of Lahore as Basant comes alive again after 25 years,” CM Nawaz said on X. “A celebration of culture, color, and community! Let’s enjoy the festivities together responsibly, follow all safety SOPs (standard operating procedures), and make this Basant safe for everyone.”
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) this week forecast favorable weather conditions for kite flying in Lahore on Feb. 6-8, marked by light westerly winds blowing at speeds of 10–15 kilometers an hour.
Authorities have distributed 1 million safety rods among motorcyclists through designated safety points across Lahore, with spending on the initiative crossing Rs110 million ($392,000), according to local media reports. To enforce regulations and manage traffic flow, around 100 road safety camps have been set up in the city, staffed by teams from the district administration, traffic police and rescue services.
In addition, the Punjab government has launched a free shuttle service to reduce traffic congestion and promote safer travel via 695 buses deployed across Lahore.
