Follow Us on Google News
KABUL: Pakistani embassy will remain closed from today onwards for an indefinite period due to the harassment of Pakistani diplomats in Afghanistan.
A message shared on social media app WhatsApp by an embassy spokesman said that the consular section would be closed today until further intimation.
Also read: Four-party Moscow talks urges political settlement in Afghanistan
The spokesperson said, “The Afghan Charge d’affaires was summoned today to convey serious concerns over the safety and security of the diplomatic personnel of the Embassy of Pakistan, Kabul, and its submissions.”
The statement also said that the members of the Pakistani mission were being harassed for the past two days.
Also read: Pentagon chief in Afghanistan to kickstart Taliban talks
It added that the Pakistani officials were stopped on the road and the embassy vehicles were also hit by motorcycles while going towards the mission.
Hundreds of Afghans apply daily for permits to travel to Pakistan where they seek medical treatment, goods, and university educations.
The spokesman told that the consular section typically processes about 1,500 visa applications a day.
Also read: Pakistan strongly condemns attack on Afghanistan
Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have long been filled with Afghans blaming Islamabad for any number of woes including allegedly supporting the Taliban.
Pakistan denies it helps the insurgent group. Both sides have accused each other’s troops of cross-border shelling.
The two countries involved in an exchange of fire on the border last week that caused casualties on both sides which killed Six soldiers and 5 citizens, including a woman, was injured in Pakistan.
Also read: Pakistan felicitates Afghanistan on successful elections