Ties with Pakistan tense as Afghanistan celebrates independence

Afghanistan and Pakistan have summoned each other's ambassadors to explain fighting between the two countries' security forces that killed up to 11 border guards, with the tensions marring independence day celebrations in Kabul.

Cooperation between the two neighbours, both battling militant insurgencies is seen as key to peace in Afghanistan, since Pakistan is widely believed to wield considerable influence over the Taliban and allied militants.

In the meeting with Ambassador Syed Abrar Hussain, Afghanistan's foreign ministry expressed serious objections to the heavy artillery firing in the border province of Kunar, the ministry said in a statement. Eight police were killed, it said.

Afghanistan's envoy in Islamabad was called to the foreign ministry on Wednesday about what it called Kabul's allegations and media campaign to malign Pakistan, as well as the border fight it said left three guards dead over the last two days.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has worked in his first year in office to improve ties with measures such as intelligence sharing, but after bombs in Kabul killed dozens this month he furiously blamed Pakistan for "exporting war".

"The fight against terrorism must be the top priority for countries in the region, Ghani said in speech to mark Independence Day, without mentioning Pakistan by name.

"Nobody can force us to accept their demands by threat," he said. - Read More

Ties with Pakistan tense as Afghanistan celebrates independence

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