The Muslim Times’ Editor for Pakistan
Credit:Xpress Tribune
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday temporarily recalled some troops from border posts meant to coordinate activity with international forces in neighbouring Afghanistan. Authorities want to discuss how to improve the process after Nato airstrikes last month killed 24 Pakistani soldiers, the military said.
The decision highlighted current problems with coordination because US military officials seemed to think it was another retaliatory move by Pakistan for the Nato strikes. The officials feared it would hamper efforts to liaise with Pakistani forces and increase the risk something could go wrong again.
The troops were recalled Tuesday for ”consultation” and should be back at their posts within the next few days, said a senior Pakistani military official. The official did not specify how many troops would be recalled or how many would be left at the border centres.
US military officials said late Monday that Pakistan was pulling out of at least two of the three centres along the border. Both the US and Pakistani officials spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.