ISLAMABAD: A leading Pakistani diplomat briefed foreign envoys in Islamabad on the recent escalation of hostilities along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, highlighting the country’s “legitimate security concerns” and its resolve to protect its territorial integrity, the foreign office said in a statement on Tuesday.
The fighting began late Saturday when Afghan forces struck multiple Pakistani military posts. Kabul claimed to have killed 58 Pakistani soldiers in response to what it described as repeated violations of Afghan territory and airspace. Pakistan’s military gave different figures, saying it lost 23 soldiers and killed more than 200 “Taliban and affiliated terrorists” during retaliatory fire along the frontier.
Foreign Secretary Ambassador Amna Baloch gave a comprehensive briefing to resident ambassadors in Islamabad on the recent developments along the Pak-Afghan border, according to an official statement.
“She underscored Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns and its unwavering resolve to protect its territorial integrity and national security,” the Foreign Office said.
Pakistan has long accused Afghanistan of allowing militants affiliated with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and theBaloch Liberation Army (BLA) to use its soil to launch attacks against Pakistani civilians and security forces.
Kabul denies the allegations, blaming Islamabad for failing to manage its internal security.
Last week, Pakistan’s military vowed to do “whatever is necessary” to defend its borders after Kabul accused Islamabad of violating Afghan airspace and bombing a border town.
The recent border clashes have also disrupted bilateral trade between the two countries, leaving thousands of traders stranded and goods worth millions of dollars stuck at key crossings.
Foreign governments, including Saudi Arabia, China and Russia, have expressed concern over the fighting and urged both sides to exercise restraint as an informal ceasefire appeared to be holding.
