Asfandyar stresses Af-Pak talks on defusing tensions

PESHAWAR (Pajhwok): As a cross-border exchange of gunfire resumed in Torkham, a senior Pakhtun nationalist leader urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to exercise restraint and hold discussion on defusingbilateral tensions.

Awami National Party President Asfandyar Wali Khan voiced conce over clashes between the border forces of the two countries. He waed skirmishes could create multiple problems that would affect millions of refugees and thousands of people travelling between the two countries.

In a statement on Monday, he noted relations between the neighbours had long been tense and such incidents could further strain them. He appealed to the heads of the two countries to resolve issues through dialogue.

Pakistan and Afghanistan had already suffered due to terrorism and they could not afford further hostilities, Wali argued. “Civilians on both sides of the border will suffer due to the prevailing situation,” he said, asking security officials to avert loss of lives and properties.

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