- ISPR chief says Pakistan victim of security vacuum in Afghanistan
RAWALPINDI: At least two soldiers were martyred and four others injured in a terrorist attack on a checkpost near the Pak-Afghan border in Bajaur Agency on Monday, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.
“Terrorists from [the] Afghanistan side attempted [an] attack on Pakistani posts along [the] Pak-Afghan border in Bajaur Agency. The attempt was effectively responded killing 8-10 fleeing terrorists while many seen running back [were] injured,” ISPR said.
The martyred soldiers were identified as Captain Junaid Hafeez and Sepoy Raham.
“The absence of Afghan [state] writ on [the] Afghan side of the border, like many other areas, facilitate terrorists to undertake such attempts,” the ISPR said.
The incident comes days after a similar attack on a checkpost at the border in Rajgal Valley left one soldier martyred.
Following the cross-border attack, ISPR chief Major General Asif Ghafoor said that Pakistan was paying the price for security vacuum on the Afghan side of the border.
Two more martyrs today! The price Pak is paying for security vacuum on Afg side of the bdr.
Pak has done its part; cleared all areas, (1/3) pic.twitter.com/1sSCUC21mo— Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) November 13, 2017
The ISPR director general said Pakistan has done its part, including elimination of terrorists from all areas, border fencing, building new check posts, enhanced presence along Pak-Afghan border and established of crossing points.
… fencing, new posts, enhanced presence along bdr & estb of crossing points. More efforts required on Afg side by all stake holders. (2/3) pic.twitter.com/PGugbleCPW
— Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) November 13, 2017
Talking about the militant hideouts in a war-torn Afghanistan, General Ghafoor said: “It now requires the elimination of terrorist sanctuaries in Afghanistan and effective Afghan border security.” Lives of forces and citizens equally precious on both sides of the border, he said, adding that more efforts were required on Afghanistan side by all the stakeholders.
Lives of forces & citizens equally precious on both sides. Requires elimination of Ts’ sanctuaries in Afg & effective Afg bdr security.(3/3) pic.twitter.com/v994m9dE9L
— Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) November 13, 2017
The ISPR in August had announced the conclusion of Khyber-4 Operation in Khyber Agency which included clearing the areas on the Pakistani side of the border.
Pakistan began fencing the Pak-Afghan border earlier this year to prevent terrorists from crossing into the country from Afghanistan.
The two countries accuse the other of harbouring their militant enemies — both deny the other’s charges.
