Rawalpindi (Web Desk): Forty six Afghan soldiers including five officers were returned to Afghan government authorities at Nawapass, Bajaur today (Tuesday), the military’s media wing said in a statement.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), these soldiers from the Afghan National Army (ANA) and Border Police were given safe passage into Pakistan, on their own request, by the Pakistan Army in Arundu Sector of the Pak-Afghan international border, Chitral on July 25."
"After necessary clearance, the Afghan soldiers crossed into Pakistan with their weapons, ammunition and communication equipment."
"The soldiers have now been amicably returned to Afghan authorities on their request along with their weapons and equipment. Pakistan will continue to extend all kinds of support to our Afghan brethren in time[s] of need," the ISPR statement added.
On Monday, the military’s media wing stated that Pakistan Army provided refuge to forty-six Afghan soldiers on request of the local commander of Afghan National Army along Pak-Afghan international border in Chitral region
As per the ISPR statement, a local ANA commander opposite Arundu Sector, Chitral requested Pakistan Army for refuge and safe passage for forty-six soldiers of Afghan National Army and Border Police including five officers as they were unable to hold their military posts along Pak-Afghan international border due to evolving security situation in Afghanistan.
The soldiers had subsequently been provided food, shelter and necessary medical care "as per established military norms".