ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Saturday summoned India’s Chargé d’Affaires and lodged a strong protest over the killing of two Pakistani civilians in firing by Indian Border Security Force (BSF) personnel in the Bedian Sector along the international border.
According to the Foreign Office, the incident occurred on October 2 when BSF personnel allegedly opened fire on unarmed Pakistani civilians. Islamabad described the use of force as unjustified and disproportionate and rejected any attempt to portray the deceased as “infiltrators”.
The Foreign Office said the incident raised serious concerns regarding the protection of civilian lives and constituted, in Pakistan’s view, a violation of fundamental human rights, including the right to life.
Pakistan called on New Delhi to conduct an immediate, transparent and credible investigation and take legal and disciplinary action against those found responsible. Islamabad also asked India to share the investigation findings and details of any action taken.
The Foreign Office further urged India to respect international law and relevant bilateral arrangements, follow established border procedures and exercise maximum restraint to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Two civilians killed in firing
According to Pakistani security sources, three local residents came a few steps beyond a border pillar near Kasur when BSF personnel opened fire on them.
Two of the civilians, identified as Azmat Rasool, son of Attaullah, and Mohsin Jutt, were killed, while the third person suffered injuries. The three were residents of Jattan Wali Haveli in Ladhar.
The security sources said all three men were unarmed and that none had attempted to cross the border fence. They described the firing as a violation of the agreement and standard operating procedures governing the international border.
Indian media reports presented a different account, describing the men as alleged infiltrators. Pakistani authorities have rejected that characterization, maintaining that the civilians had not attempted to cross the border fence.
