Kabul supports peaceful relations with Islamabad but is ready to protect its security if necessary, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaki said on a visit to New Delhi.
“We want zero tension and peaceful relations with Pakistan. But if relations are not built properly, we also know how to ensure security“,“ IANS quoted Muttaki as saying. He added that Pakistan should “control its own checkpoints“ instead of blaming Afghanistan.
Muttaki's statement came amid reports of gunfire in Afghanistan's Helmand province. Afghan air force reportedly carried out strikes on the Pakistani city of Lahore. Taliban officials did not provide details of the operation. Afghan television channel TOLO News reported that at least 58 Pakistani soldiers were killed in the clashes. Pakistani television channel Geo reported that at least several dozen Afghan soldiers were killed in the clashes.