Child among two die in unprovoked firing from Afghan side at Chaman border

QUETTA – Two Pakistani citizens including a 12-year-old child have died after an Afghan sentry employed at Friendship Gate of Chaman Border Crossing along Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Balochistan province opened unprovoked and indiscriminate firing at pedestrians moving towards the Afghan side. 

The incident occurred at the outbound gate located on the zero line, the military's media wing said in a statement. Another child was also injured in the firing, the ISPR statement added.

However, Pakistani troops exercised extreme restraint and avoided any exchange of fire in presence of innocent passengers to avoid collateral damage. 

Bodies of the deceased have been shifted to DHQ Hospital Chaman and the injured child, who was immediately evacuated by security forces, is under treatment. 

Afghan authorities have been approached to inquire the reason of such irresponsible and reckless act, apprehend and hand over the culprit to Pakistani authorities. 

"The Taliban led Interim Afghan Government (IAG) is also expected to exercise control over its troops and impart discipline to act responsibly in order to avoid recurrence of such incidents in future," read the statement by Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).

"Pakistan remains committed to contribute towards peace, prosperity and development through positive and constructive bilateral relations, however such unpleasant occurrences have the potential to harm the sincere intent and purpose."