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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan summoned India’s chargé d’affaires on Saturday to protest the reported killing of two Pakistani civilians near the international border in Kasur.
The Foreign Office said Indian Border Security Force (BSF) personnel opened fire on three unarmed Pakistani civilians in the Bedian sector on Friday.
Two civilians were killed and the third was injured, according to the Foreign Office.
The Foreign Office described the firing as unprovoked and said the use of force was unjustified and disproportionate.
Pakistan also rejected any attempt to describe the deceased civilians as infiltrators.
The Foreign Office said the incident raised concerns about the protection of civilians and respect for the right to life under international law.
Pakistan called on India to conduct an immediate, transparent and credible investigation.
The Foreign Office also urged New Delhi to take legal and disciplinary action against those responsible.
Islamabad asked India to formally share the investigation’s findings and details of any action taken.
Pakistan further called on India to respect international law and existing bilateral border arrangements.
It also urged Indian authorities to exercise maximum restraint and prevent similar incidents in the future.
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According to security sources cited by Radio Pakistan, the three civilians belonged to Ladhar village.
The sources said the men had moved a few steps beyond a border pillar when BSF personnel opened fire without warning.
All three were unarmed, according to the report. The deceased were identified as Azmat Rasool and Mohsin Jutt, both residents of Jattan Wali Haveli in Ladhar.
The injured man was taken to hospital for treatment.
Security sources said the civilians had not attempted to cross the border fence. They described the incident as a violation of the arrangements and standard operating procedures governing the international border.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions between Pakistan and India.
Pakistan’s protest follows reports of the civilian deaths on Friday. The Foreign Office has called for restraint and adherence to international law.
India’s position on the incident was not included in the Pakistani account cited above.
