Pakistan, India exchange fire across Working Boundary in Punjab

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Indian Border Security Forces (BSF) Friday opened unprovoked firing and shelling at the Working Boundary in Shakargarh sector, said Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The Indian army used heavy weapons and resorted to shelling, targeting Pakistani positions as well as civilian areas; however, no casualties were reported.

The firing and shelling lasted for about half an hour, ISPR said, adding that Pakistan Rangers returned fire which silenced Indian guns.

No casualties were in the latest skirmish so far that took place from 9-9:30 am, informed ISPR in its statement.

The exchange of fire occurred near the village of Chak Amru in Punjab, ISPR confirmed.

The incident came a day after Pakistan lodged a strong protest with India over ceasefire violations of the Line of Control.

According to Foreign Office spokesman, the Indian Deputy High Commissioner was called in by the Director General South Asia on Thursday.

Occasional violations of a 2003 ceasefire between the nuclear-armed rivals are not uncommon. The last was reported on October 19 that killed a civilian during another episode of firing across the Line of Control (LoC).

A strong protest was lodged against the unprovoked ceasefire violations by the Indian occupation forces in Karela Sector on LoC, which resulted in martyrdom of one civilian. Twelve civilians, including children and women, were injured as a result of the Indian fire.

It was conveyed that the Indian side must investigate the incident and share the findings with Pakistan. India must instruct its troops to respect the ceasefire in letter and spirit, refrain from intentionally targeting the villages and maintain peace and stability on the LoC.

Pakistan has concerns that during the last couple of months, there have been a number of ceasefire violations from the Indian side on the LoC and the Working Boundary