Civilians cannot be targets at the border

October 4, 2026

The killing of two Pakistani civilians near the Kasur border is a serious matter that should not be ignored. Pakistan has rightly taken up the issue with India and demanded a transparent investigation into the incident.

According to security sources, three unarmed residents of Ladhar village moved a few steps beyond a border pillar on October 2. Indian Border Security Force personnel allegedly opened fire, killing Azmat Rasool and Mohsin Jutt and injuring another man. The men had not attempted to cross the border fence.

The Foreign Office has rejected the description of the men as infiltrators and called for an immediate, transparent and credible investigation. It has also demanded legal action against anyone found responsible.

This is a reasonable demand.

Borders are sensitive places. Security forces have an important duty to protect their territory, but that duty does not remove the need for caution when dealing with civilians. If people are found near a border, the first question should be whether they pose a real security threat. The use of lethal force against unarmed civilians must always be subject to clear rules and proper justification.

The Indian side should therefore explain what happened. If its personnel acted according to the rules, an independent investigation should establish the facts. If the rules were violated, those responsible should face appropriate action.

Pakistan has also called for respect for bilateral border arrangements and maximum restraint in future incidents. This is important because a single border incident can create anger on both sides and add to the already difficult relationship between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

The lives of people living near the border should not become a casualty of political or security tensions. Families in villages such as Ladhar have little control over disputes between governments, yet they can suffer their most painful consequences.

The immediate need is not more accusations. It is clarity, accountability and measures to ensure that such an incident does not happen again.