SHARANA (SW): Civil society activists in southeastern Paktika province have warned that the Pakistani border forces have only handed over few previously encroached border posts to the Afghan Border Police (ABP) keeping the rest under control.
A day earlier, Pakistan Army’s spokesman Gen. Asim Bajwa announced that a number of border posts in the Angoor Ada area have been handed over to Afghanistan.
.Few months ago, Pakistani forces encroached the posts from the Taliban and erected military installation in this area on the Durand Line. Aziz Azizi, a member to Paktika Provincial council, said that these military bases were built in Khawja Khidir, Sowi Wari and Gate areas of Paktika.
He added that locals of Paktika sought to hand over these military base to Afghan government.
Two years ago, the American forces had their bases here but as they departed the military bases were first captured by the Taliban and then the Pakistani forces took the control of theses military bases.
Muhammadullah Himat, a civil society activist stated that Pakistani forces have built a number of other military bases in the area.
Yesterday, Nimatullah Baburi, the deputy to Provincial Council chief, said that two military towers had been handed over to Afghan Security Forces in this area. He added that the Pakistani forces were stationed only 100 meters away from these two military towers.
Talking to Salam Watandar, Aminullah Shariq, the governor of Paktika said that both the Afghan and Pakistani officials were engaged in negotiations to peacefully settle the issue. He added that Pakistani officials have pledged to abandon the area very soon.
Shariq also said that they have asked Pakistani military to suppress the insurgents in bordering areas.
ENDS