Protest lodged with Kabul, ISAF over border firing
By Our Diplomatic Correspondent

ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Thursday lodged a strong protest with Afghanistan and ISAF over firing, shelling and intrusion into a border post in Bajaur yesterday. Foreign Office spokesman Muhammad Sadiq, briefing newsmen at weekly briefing said Afghanistan has been told in clear terms that such incidents must not be repeated.
“Pakistan has also protested the death of a security personnel as a result of firing from the other side,” said the spokesman. The incident happened when NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and Afghan troops clashed with Taliban militants along the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan on Wednesday. The Afghan and ISAF troops pounded the Pakistani side with shells and also made incursion into the Bajaur tribal region, during which one soldier was killed and another injured.
The spokesman said, “We also protested the death of one of our security personnel as a result of firing from the other side.” Muhammad Sadiq said it was explained by the other side that Afghan and ISAF troops were operating against the Taliban who were active in the area and attacked an Afghan post. He said, “We emphasized that military action on Pakistan side is the exclusive responsibility of the Pakistani forces.” The spokesman said the protest was lodged today at a “higher level.”
Answering a question about US concern over talks with militants, the spokesman said Pakistan has a comprehensive strategy to address militancy and terrorism. He said, It has three broad elements of political, socio-economic and military. He said military action alone will not be effective in permanently ending the phenomenon of terrorism. The spokesman said Pakistan is reaching out to the tribal leaders and notables as part of the political element of overall strategy in the fight against terrorism.
He said political engagement is possible only with those who renounce militancy and violence, don’t allow the use of Pakistan’s territory against any other country and do not help foreign terrorist elements to find hideouts here. The spokesman said the use of force alone can not lead to self perpetuating violence. However, the determination to use force, wherever required, remains an important element of our strategy.
Replying to a question he said there are no negotiations with elements involved in violent activities and the Government will respond firmly to establish its writ where challenged. About US and Afghan reaction to Pakistan’s policy, he said. “Our friends understand Pakistan’s approach”. The spokesman said some foreign dignitaries would be visiting Pakistan during the next few weeks to acquaint themselves with the new leadership in Pakistan and discuss bilateral relations.
He said Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad would arrive in Islamabad on a brief  stop-over on Monday next. To a question the spokesman said the leadership of the two countries would be discussing bilateral relations including cooperation in economic and political fields. The spokesman said energy security is high on the agenda of Pakistan and with this in view the country is pursuing gas pipelines from Iran and Turkmenistan.
About Iranian gas pipeline project, he said, “We have finalized with Iran almost all legal, financial and technical aspects regarding the projects.” He said the Gas Sales and Purchase Agreement has been initialed and once approved, will be signed by the two sides. “We have also reached broad agreement on transportation fee with India. However, the issue of transit fee remains to be resolved,” he added.
The spokesman said the issue of transit fee is being discussed between the respective ministers and the Indian Minister for Petroleum and Gas is in Pakistan to finalize the agreement. He said Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi would arrive in Pakistan on Friday while Japanese Foreign Minister Masahiko Koumura would visit the country on 3rd of next month.