Afghanistan urges Pakistan to reopen border, de-escalate tensions

ISLAMABAD: Afghanistan has requested Pakistan to reopen border (crossing points) and de-escalate tensions between the two countries.

According to the statement issued by Foreign Office, Deputy Chief of Staff at Ministry of Defence, Afghanistan, General Murad Ali Murad requested Pakistan’s Ambassador to Kabul Syed Abrar Hussain for de-escalation and re-opening of crossing points.

The Ambassador was invited for the meeting through the ministry of foreign affairs in Kabul on Monday.

Defence Attaché Brig. Farooq Zaman also accompanied the Ambassador.

Highlighting the sufferings of people due to closure of the border and cross border shelling from Pakistan, he sought reduction in tensions.

He also promised to take action against terrorists on the basis of shared information.

Ambassador Hussain, in his response, briefed on the circumstances behind actions taken by Pakistan. He stated that Afghan nationals were involved in recent attacks in Pakistan and stressed that Afghanistan should take appropriate measures for denying use of its soil by terrorists against Pakistan.

He informed that the border was closed to prevent crossing by terrorists. He stressed on the need for efforts by both countries to strengthen border management.

The Ambassador, however, promised to transmit the Afghan requests to Islamabad.