RAWALPINDI, Pakistan: As many as 46 Afghan National Army soldiers have sought safe passage in Pakistan at the Arundu Sector in Chitral after they were unable to hold their posts due to the ‘evolving security situation’.
In a statement on Monday, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that the Afghan National Army (ANA) local Commander opposite Arundu Sector in Chitral requested the Pakistan Army for refuge and safe passage for 46 soldiers of the Afghan National Army and Border Police including five officers as they were unable to hold their military posts along the Pak-Afghan International Border due to the evolving security situation in Afghanistan.
The ISPR said that the Pakistan Army contacted the Afghan authorities for information and necessary formalities.
The ISPR said that these Afghan soldiers arrived at the Arundu Sector late last night. After contact with the Afghan authorities and necessary military procedures, 46 soldiers including five officers have been given refuge/safe passage into Pakistan.
It said that Afghan soldiers have been provided food, shelter and necessary medical care as per the established military norms. These soldiers including officers will be returned to Afghan govt authorities in a dignified manner after due process.
Previously on July 1, 35 Afghan soldiers also requested the Pakistan Army for refuge/safe passage due to inability to hold their military post along the Pak-Afghan International Border.
They were also given safe passage into Pakistan and handed over to the Afghan government authorities after due procedure.