RAWALPINDI: Forty-six Afghan soldiers who took refuge in Pakistan have returned to Afghanistan, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Tuesday.
The army’s public relations wing said that 46 Afghan soldiers, including five officers, were handed over to Afghan govt authorities at Nawa Pass Bajaur Tuesday at 0035 hours (Pakistan Standard Time).
“Soldiers have now been amicably returned to Afghan authorities on their request along with their weapons and equipment,” said ISPR.
Afghan National Army (ANA) commander thanked the Pakistani government and Pak Army for treating them well. It is to be noted that Pakistan Army had given safe passage to 46 Afghan soldiers to cross over into Pakistan after they were unable to hold their military posts along the Pak Afghan border.
According to the ISPR, Afghan National Army (ANA) local Commander opposite Arundu Sector in Chitral had requested Pakistan Army for refuge and safe passage for 46 military men of the Afghan National Army and Border Police including five officers.
The military’s media wing had said that the refugee was sought after they were unable to hold their military posts along with Pak-Afghan International Border due to evolving security situation in Afghanistan.
Previously on July 1, 35 Afghan soldiers also requested Pakistan Army for refuge and safe passage due to their inability to hold their military post along with Pak- Afghan border. They were also given safe passage into Pakistan and handed over to Afghan government authorities after the due procedure.
Insecurity has been growing inAfghanistan in recent weeks as US-led foreign troops complete their withdrawal and the Taliban launch major offensives, taking districts and border crossings. Days before the Eidul Azha, the Afghan Taliban and Afghan officials met in the Qatari capital, Doha, for talks.
The July 17 meeting ended with promises of more talks as well as greater attention to the protection of civilians and infrastructure. Sheikh Rashid said thousands of foreigners had been illegally staying in the country for the last many years without valid visas.–ISPR
