Afghanistan government slams Pakistan military for rocket attacks

The diplomatic wrangle between Afghanistan and Pakistan continues as the Afghan government has slammed Pakistan for allegedly attacking three areas of Kunar Province. Accusing the Pakistan military of rocket attacks, the Afghan government called it an attack on its sovereignty. It reminded Pakistan of the “good neighbourhood” and has also raised the issue through the Afghan embassy in Islamabad. The strained bilateral relation between Afghanistan and Pakistan does not seem to be getting relaxed anytime soon as Pakistan has been accused of attacking Sano, Chogamand, and Gawicha- areas of Shultan District of Kunar Province. Based near what is known as the Durand Line, the areas have been hit by rockets which Afghanistan claims, has been Pakistani military action.

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'Violation of international laws'

Expressing strong objections over the alleged attacks, the Afghan government called it a “violation of international laws” as well as an “explicit violation” of its “national sovereignty” and condemned the alleged acts by Pakistan. It also reminded Pakistan of “good neighborhood” implying that the country should act as a responsible neighbour and should avoid such provocative acts. In a statement, the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that it has conveyed its objections to the government of Pakistan through the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Islamabad. While Pakistan is yet to respond to the Afghan claims, this is not the first time that the Pakistani military has been accused of attacking the Afghan region near what is called the Durand Line.

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The legitimacy of the Durand Line

In June 2011, Afghanistan had accused Pakistan of firing more than 400 rockets in the Kunar Province resulting in deaths of at least 36 people. The then government had said that Pakistan was deliberating targeting its people. Pakistan, in its response, had denied any “intentional” firing and claimed that their actions along the border were to prevent insurgents infiltrating into their region. The constrained relationship between the two countries dates back to 1947 with the creation of Pakistan and exists even today. One of the sticking points between the two countries has been the legitimacy of the Durand Line. The line has been controversial especially for Afghans as it divides the Pashtuns living in the region.

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