Afghan Forces open firing on civilians in Chaman. At least six people killed, and 17 injured persons reported on Sunday. Afghan Border Forces opened “unprovoked and indiscriminate fire” on the civilian population in Balochistan’s Chaman district, ISPR reported.
ISPR reports that heavy weapons, artillery and mortars were used by the Afghan forces.
“Pakistani border troops have given befitting albeit measured response against the uncalled-for aggression but avoided targeting innocent civilians in the area,” the statement by ISPR said.
Pakistani authorities have approached authorities in Kabul to highlight the “severity” of the situation. Moreover, “strict action to obviate any such recurrence of the incident in future” was too demanded.
The DPO said all the injured were moved to District Headquarters Hospital Chaman. However, except four, who were “critically” injured and transferred to Quetta.
An emergency was imposed in Quetta Civil Hospital on the directions of Health Secretary Saleh Muhammad Nasir as Afghan Forces open firing on civilians in Chaman.
Furthermore, Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Quddus Bizenjo assured assistance over the incident. “I hope the federal government will ensure an immediate and effective solution to this problem at the diplomatic level.”
He ordered the district administration of Chaman to provide full support to the people affected.
Moreover, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah strongly condemned the attack.
He also requested the Balochistan government to provide full support and assistance to the affected citizens.
“Details are being collected regarding the tragic incident that took place on the Pak-Afghan Chaman border,” the interior minister said. He said news about the deaths of Pakistani citizens was “extremely painful and saddening”.
Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique also said the “unprovoked shelling” was a “shameful act”.
“Pakistani forces took the best action by not targeting the Afghan civilian population as part of retaliatory action.
He also said :“The Afghan government should bring the reasons for the attack forward and bring those responsible for the tragedy to justice.”
PPP co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari also strongly condemned the attack and expressed grief on the loss of people’s lives.
“The peaceful policy of the Pakistan Army in the region should not be considered a weakness,” he warned.
