By: Asem Mustafa Awan
Six Pakistanis were martyred and seventeen others were injured due to unprovoked shelling by Afghan border forces at the Chaman border. Pakistan retaliated with restraint targeting only the places where the shells originated. This is an alarming situation and precursor to what is in the making.
Pakistan has demanded strict action from the Afghan authorities against the officials involved as this unprovoked shelling left a lot to be desired from the Afghanistan side.
The border stands closed after the incident and forces have been beefed for the unforeseen owing to the tense situation., So far, no reason has been given for this uncalled for attack while it is believed and there is a strong possibility that Afghanistan border security force doesn’t want the fence that is erected for the safety of people living on both sides of the border.
Last month, Minister of State for External Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar visited Afghanistan and many issues were raised besides border management, measures against terrorism, bilateral trade and expansion of trade from Afghanistan to Central Asian countries.
The dust of the visit had not settled when this incident happened. Pakistan diplomat in Afghanistan also came under attack that was evacuated by the gallant security guard who got wounded in his protection.
US State Department spokesman Ned Price issued a statement saying that the US reserves the right to take action if the Afghan Taliban do not fulfill their promises. Keeping all these details in mind, the results of provocation by Afghan forces on the Chaman border reveal a different scenario.
The Afghan authorities have been requested time and again to increase their capacity to suppress the terrorist groups while Daesh and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan have increased their attacks on Pakistan’s soil.
The TTP has announced the termination of the ceasefire agreement with Pakistan some time ago and Afghan Taliban and TTP have soft spot for each other.
Pakistan held talks with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan on the guarantee of Afghan Taliban but negotiations have resulted in two sides sticking to their grounds.
The terrorist activities from TTP has once again deteriorated the situation warranting immediate attention from the two governments as if it stays unchecked there is a likelihood of a fallback that will engulf the region in an unending bloodshed.
Pakistan is off the opinion that rogue elements have infiltrated the Afghan border forces who are hell bent on making the relations between the two countries sour.
There is a long list of incidents that took place in November alone where the two sides exchanged fire in Kharlachi area of Kurram district resulting in one soldier getting martyred. On November 13, one Pakistani security officer was martyred and two others were injured by an unknown assailant from Afghan border. Pakistan has suggested that there should be a joint action plan to end untoward incidents on the border. Afghan Taliban officials also made suggestions to amicably resolve border issues with Pakistani officials. The Afghan Taliban say that Pakistan should make a separate path for women where women security personnel should also be posted.
