Afghanistan recalls ambassador, diplomats from Pakistan

KABUL:

Afghanistan

has withdrawn its ambassador and diplomats from Pakistan’s capital following the kidnapping of the ambassador’

s daughter

, the Afghan foreign ministry said on Sunday, a new blow to relations at a sensitive time for the Afghan peace process. The daughter of Afghanistan’s ambassador to Pakistan was seized on Friday and held for several hours by unknown assailants who left her with injuries and rope marks and Pakistan authorities have said they are investigating. “The Afghan government recalled the ambassador and senior diplomats to

Kabul

until the complete elimination of the security threats, including the arrest and punishment of the perpetrators,” the

ministry of foreign affairs

said.


Pakistan’s foreign ministry in a statement called the decision “regrettable” and said it hoped the Afghan government would reconsider. “The foreign secretary met the ambassador of Afghanistan today, highlighted all the steps taken by the government in this context, and re-assured him of full cooperation,” it said.

Pakistan is considered a key player in the peace process in Afghanistan. The neighbouring countries have long had frosty ties. Kabul accuses Pakistan of allowing safe havens for the Taliban, while

Islamabad

accuses Kabul of allowing militants to use their territory to carry out attacks in Pakistan.