STAFF REPORT
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif on Monday said that Afghanistan has apologized for its security forces’ unprovoked cross-border firing in Chaman, resulting in seven civilians’ martyrdom.
Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly on Monday, he said that during a border security committee meeting, the Afghan side accepted their mistake at the Chaman border and assured that such an incident like that of the Chaman border would not occur.
Khawaja Asif said Pakistan is a well-wisher of Afghanistan and desires a resolution of their internal matters. He said Pakistan would continue to extend cooperation for peace and stability in Afghanistan, opening vistas of economic and trade cooperation in the region.
Chaman border firing incident
He said that the visit of Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar to Kabul had a symbolic value that should be respected. He pointed out that the Afghan side welcomed the visit and accorded respect to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb on the occasion said it is a matter of pride for Pakistan that a woman Minister of State for Foreign Affairs represented Pakistan during talks in Kabul. She said history is testimony to the fact that our women have played an important role in the independence and development of Pakistan.
The National Assembly was also informed on Monday that a proposal is under consideration to establish Swift Centers for issuing passports to the people of the country.
