Pakistan, Afghanistan to set up military hotline to avoid cross-border attack incidents

Islamabad, July 5(ANI): Pakistan and Afghanistan have decided to set up a military 'hotline' between both nations in an effort to ease bilateral tensions triggered by the recent spate of cross-border raids and mortar shelling incidents.

The move came at a meeting between Pakistan Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir and Afghan Ambassador Muhammad Umer Daudzai in Islamabad.

The step is one of several measures the two neighbours have agreed to take to avoid the recurrence of such cross-border incidents, The Express Tribune quoted diplomats, as saying.

Both sides also agreed not to allow their respective soils to be used against each other.

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry and the Afghan embassy issued separate statements condemning "the loss of life and property by militants".

The Afghan Embassy's statement said that Daudzai expressed concern over the alleged mortar shelling into the Afghan territory by Pakistan, adding: "Pakistan has regretted the loss of innocent lives and admitted that some rockets might have landed in Afghan territory when security forces were chasing militants."

However, a military official denied the charge, saying that these allegations were aimed at putting pressure on Pakistan after it protested over the cross-border raids into tribal areas by militants from Afghanistan.

However, the Foreign Ministry handout said: "Pakistan condemns the loss of lives and destruction of property on both sides by the militants. We consider Afghanistan's loss as our own loss. It is...imperative that efforts be redoubled by both sides to attain the objectives of shared peace and security and to enhance cooperation for shared development and prosperity."

Officials familiar with the meeting said the two sides believe that 'enemies of peace' are trying to create misunderstandings between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

"There are elements on both sides of the border who do not want to see improved ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan," an Afghan diplomat commented without identifying such elements.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's Foreign Office also confirmed that a meeting between the concerned military authorities would be held soon to enhance information sharing and coordination between Pakistan, Afghanistan and NATO forces. (ANI)