Karzai discuss Pakistan shelling, troops pullout plan with US officials

Afghan President Hamid Karzai on Wednesday discussed the issue of cross-border shelling by Pakistan and US troops pullout plan from Afghanistan with the top US officials in Afghanistan.

Top US commander in Afghanistan – commander of the NATO-led International Security Assistance For ce (ISAF) Gen. Joseph Dunford along with the US ambassador James Cunningham briefed President regarding the gradual withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, presidential palace media office said following a statement.

President Karzai asked the US officials to provide information regarding the cross-border shelling by Pakistan in eastern Kunar province of Afghanistan.

Gen. Dunford quoted in the statement by presidential palace said he was unaware regarding the cross-border shelling by Pakistan. However, defense minister, Gen. Bismillah Mohamadi said over 300 rockets were fired in Kunar province during the past two days which left at least twelve people injured.

The Afghan army chief of staff, Gen. Sher Mohammad Karimi also said the issue was shared with the Pakistan army chief of staff and they have rejected reports in this regard. Gen. Joseph Dunford and James Cunningham said the issue will be shared with the Pakistani officials. President Karzai said the government of Afghanistan will seek clarification from Islamabad before Kabul is forced to take any step regarding the continued shelling.

Gen. Dunford briefed president Karzai regarding the gradual withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan from 2015 to 2017 and said Washington will remain committed to assist Afghanistan and the Afghan security forces. He said all US bases except Bagram airfield will be transferred to Afghanistan by the end of 2017 while Bagram will be transferred to Afghanistan later.