Pakistan - Killed 50 Afghan soldiers on border
Pakistani officials said they killed more than 50 Afghan soldiers and destroyed 5 of their border check posts, a charge which Afghanistan vehemently denies. The attack was in retaliation to Afghan soldiers firing upon a census team accompanied by Pakistani soldiers who strayed into Afghan territory. However, Pakistan maintained that the party was well within Pakistani borders.
Durand Line
The 2,340-kilometre long international border between Afghanistan and Pakistan is known as the Durand Line. It was established in 1893 between Sir Mortimer Durand, a British diplomat and civil servant of British India, and Abdur Rahman Khan, the Afghan Amir to improve diplomatic relations and trade. The Anglo-Afghan Treaty of 1919 modified the line and it came within the territory of Pakistan.
Afghanistan rejects Pak's claims
Sediq Sediqqi, an Afghan government spokesman said "A very false claim by a Pakistani Frontier Corp that as many as 50 Afghan soldier lost their lives in Pak retaliation; totally rejected."
What was the incident?
According to reports a census party from Pakistan allegedly entered Afghan territory in the Chaman border area and were fired upon by Afghan military personnel. At least 8 civilians were killed in the firing, 7 on the Pakistani side and one on the Afghan side. Over 40 people including soldiers were reportedly injured in the clash.
What are the claims?
Major General Nadim Ahmad, head of Pakistan's paramilitary Frontier Corps said "five Afghan check posts were completely destroyed -- more than 50 of their soldiers were killed and above 100 were wounded." He added that Pakistan was forced to retaliate against Afghan aggression. Afghan sources however, said that only 2 soldiers died while one civilian was also killed.
