Afghan security officers boycott Pakistan visit in wake of border tensions

The government of Afghanistan on Sunday boycotted the planned visit of senior Afghan army officers to Pakistan in wake of fresh border tensions. The decision was taken during the National Security Council (NSC) meeting chaired by President Hamid Karzai. Afghan national security advisor was also instructed to convey serious concerns of Afghan government regarding the cross-border shelling and violation of airspace of Afghanistan by Pakistan. The National Security Council criticized United States for remaining silent regarding the cross-border incursion by Pakistan and said such stance by Washington is against the commitments made to Afghanistan in long term strategic cooperation agreement. It was also concluded that the continued cross-border incursions by Pakistani military was aimed at disrupting the second round of election. The foreign affairs ministry of Afghanistan was instructed to convey the serious concerns of Afghan government through diplomatic channels to the government of Pakistan. The Pakistani military has intensified cross-border shelling in eastern Kunar province of Afghanistan during the recent weeks. Local government officials said at least four civilians were killed and eleven others were injured after Pakistani gunship helicopters carried out airstrike in Dangam district on Saturday.