Pakistan Summons Indian Diplomat Over Border Killings

Indian Border Security Force personnel shot dead two Pakistani civilians and wounded a third near the international border in Punjab’s Tarn Taran district on Friday, triggering a sharp diplomatic exchange between the nuclear-armed neighbours. The firing occurred around noon in the Bedian sector, according to Pakistani security sources and Indian police officials (Reuters India, Google News India).

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said on Saturday it had summoned India’s Chargé d’Affaires to lodge a strong protest, describing the use of force as “unprovoked and lethal” against unarmed civilians who had inadvertently crossed the border (Google News India). “Such use of force was wholly unjustified and grossly disproportionate, resulting in the tragic loss of two precious lives,” the ministry said in a statement, adding that the incident was a serious violation of fundamental human rights and international law (Google News India). Islamabad demanded an immediate, transparent and credible investigation, disciplinary and legal action against those responsible, and formal communication of the findings (Google News India).

Indian officials offered a sharply different account. Tarn Taran Deputy Superintendent of Police (Bhikiwind) Atul Soni said three men were advancing towards the Indian side, but one returned to Pakistan after warnings from BSF troops. The other two continued moving forward despite repeated warnings and were “provoking the troops and saying they wanted to enter Indian territory,” Soni said, citing a BSF sentry (Google News India). The BSF then opened fire, killing both men. Their identities were still being ascertained as of Saturday, and senior BSF officers visited the spot (Google News India). Indian media quoted security sources describing the episode as a foiled “infiltration” attempt (Google News India). There was no immediate comment from India’s central government (Google News India).

The 553-kilometre Punjab border with Pakistan has long been a flashpoint for smuggling, militant infiltration and accidental crossings by civilians living in villages straddling the frontier. Friday’s killings have renewed tension along a boundary where both sides maintain heavy troop deployments and where past incidents have occasionally spiralled into broader military confrontations. Pakistan’s Foreign Office said it “categorically” rejected any attempt to label the dead as infiltrators (Google News India). It remains unclear whether the two sides will agree on a joint mechanism to establish the facts or whether the episode will be handled through routine flag meetings between border commanders.