Pakistan’s Envoy To U.S Meets McMaster, Discusses Afghan Issues

Afghan Voice Agency(AVA),Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry met with the U.S National Security Adviser Lt Gen H.R. McMaster on Thursday and discussed peace in Afghanistan and recent border clashes.

Chaudhry stressed during the meeting that the benefits of war on terror could only surface after peace returned to Afghanistan, adding that peace in Afghanistan is one of Pakistan’s priorities.

According to a statement issued by the Pakistani government, Chaudhry met with McMaster on Thursday afternoon at the White House and bilateral relations were discussed in the wake of McMaster’s recent visit to Pakistan.

"Peace in Afghanistan and broader regional stability also came under discussion,” read the statement.

Chaudhry reportedly told McMaster: "Peace in Afghanistan was a high priority for Pakistan especially to consolidate the gains made in our enduring fight against terrorism."

His meeting came just a day before four Afghan border force members were killed and 14 others were wounded in a Spin Boldak clash on Friday.

According to Kandahar police spokesman Zia Durani the clash started at around 4am on Friday morning when Pakistani border forces entered Afghan territory.

He said the two sides agreed on a ceasefire after hours of clashes.

Two armored vehicles belonging to Pakistani forces were destroyed in the fire fight, the spokesman said.

Meanwhile, Kandahar Police Chief Lieutenant Gen. Abdul Raziq said four border police force members were killed and 14 others were wounded in the clash along the Durand Line.

He said 23 civilians were also wounded in the fighting.

However, Pakistani officials have claimed that the Afghan forces attacked Pakistan’s border troops without any reason.

The Pakistani officials said that seven Pakistani border force members were killed and 27 others were wounded in the battle.

Spin Boldak is a border town in the southern Kandahar province.