GARDEZ - Hundreds of people on Tuesday rallied in support of the Afghan security forces and against Pakistan in southeastern Paktia province the wake of recent clashes at Torkham border.
Last week, Afghan and Pakistani security forces resorted to fire exchanges over the construction of a gate by the Pakistanis at Torkham border crossing, causing casualties on both sides.
To reduce the tension, Pakistani and Afghan delegations met on Monday in the first senior-level talks and agreed to establish ‘an effective mechanism for consultation and coordination of issues of mutual concern and interest.’
Like some other provinces, tribal elders, civil society activists and common people staged a protest demonstration to voice their support for the Afghan security forces. They chanted slogans in support of the Afghan forces and against Pakistan.
One of the rally organizers, Amir Mohammad Himmat, told reporters that their demonstration was aimed at preventing foreign interference in Afghanistan’s soil. “The Pakistani forces have a history of attacks on Afghan soil, but they would never reach their goals,” he said.
A participant of the demonstration, Naqib Totakhel, said it was the duty of every Afghan to standby their Afghan border guards.
He said building installations along the Durand Line by Pakistani side was not acceptable to the Afghans.(Pajhwok)