Two Pakistanis Shot Dead by Afghan Forces

According to Pakistani officials on Sunday, the Afghan security forces kidnapped two Pakistanis in southwestern Baluchistan province of Pakistan and shot them. Naseebullah Bazai, the secretary of tribal affairs, told AFP that on Friday some two dozen Afghan security forces crossed the border and entered into southwestern Pakistan, the Baluchistan province, and kidnapped two Pakistanis and took them back into Afghanistan. He said that two Pakistani nationals were taken down by the Afghan security forces and then shot dead inside Afghanistan. He added that the Government of Pakistan had called for an immediate meeting with the Afghan Consulate General in the provincial capital of Baluchistan, Quetta. He said that they have denuded an immediate return of the bodies of the Pakistanis, and on Monday they will lodge a strong protest with Afghanistan. He added that the foreign ministry of Pakistan had been alerted regarding the incident. Local intelligence officials of the province have also confirmed the incident of killings.

The southwestern Baluchistan province is the largest, according to the area, and is struck by insurgency blamed on some rogue rebellious tribes and Taliban militants. In the recent past, the killing of non-Baluchi settlers has escalated, in which the so-called rebels, have been found involved. The Baluch separatists are said to be receiving aid from India and Afghanistan. One of the main leaders, Barahamdagh Bugti, is allegedly seeking refuge in the Afghan capital, Kabul near the Presidential Palace. He is sought by Pakistan on various charges.

The latest U.S. Congressional hearing on the issue has strengthened the beliefs that the United States is also implicitly playing a role in deteriorating situation of the province as it is the place where the strategically important Gwadar port is located. The United States fears that China may sue it to exert greater control over the Strait of Hormuz, and repeatedly pressurizes Pakistan to prevent from giving any critical role to China at the port.

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Tags: afghanistan, Baluchistan, Killings, Pakistan, United States