Afghan general summons Pak envoy over border tension

islamabad — Afghanistan has asked Pakistan to re-open the border and de-escalate tensions between the two neighbouring countries, read a Press release issued on Wednesday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reports Dawn online.

The release said Ambassador to Afghanistan Abrar Hussain and Afghan Deputy Commander-in-Chief General Murad Ali Murad met on February 27, and that Gen. Murad had “requested [Islamabad] for de-escalation at the border and re-opening of the crossing points between the two countries”.

Gen. Murad had also highlighted challenges “due to closure of the border and cross-border shelling from Pakistan”, seeking the country’s help to reduce tensions between the two states.

“He also promised to take action against terrorists on the basis of shared information,” the statement added.

Ambassador Hussain, in his response, briefed Gen. Murad about the circumstances motivating Pakistan’s actions, underlining that “Afghan nationals were involved in recent attacks in the country”.

He stressed that Afghanistan should take appropriate measures to deny “use of its soil by terrorists against Pakistan”. Hussain said that the border was closed to prevent the movement of terrorists from across the border.

He also stressed on the need for efforts by both countries to strengthen border management.

The ambassador, however, promised to transmit Afghanistan’s requests to Islamabad.