By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan has summoned India’s chargé d’affaires to protest the killing of two Pakistani civilians by Indian Border Security Force (BSF) personnel near the international border in Punjab, calling for an investigation and legal action against those responsible.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said the Indian diplomat was summoned after the incident on October 2 in the Bedian sector, near Kasur district, where Pakistani authorities said Indian border personnel opened fire on three unarmed civilians, killing two and injuring a third.

The ministry said the firing was unjustified and disproportionate and rejected any attempt to describe the deceased as infiltrators.

“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.

Islamabad said the incident raised serious concerns over the right to life and the protection of civilians under international law.

- Pakistan demands investigation

During the meeting, Pakistan called on India to conduct an immediate, transparent and credible investigation into the incident, take disciplinary and legal action against those found responsible, and formally share the findings with Islamabad.

The Foreign Ministry also urged India to respect fundamental human rights and international law, comply with bilateral arrangements and established border procedures, and exercise restraint to prevent similar incidents.

According to Pakistani security sources, the three civilians were from Lidhar village near the border in Kasur district. They were fired upon shortly after moving beyond a border pillar.

The sources identified the two deceased as Azmat Rasul, son of Attaullah, and Mohsin Jatt, both residents of Jattan Wali Haveli in Lidhar village. The third civilian was injured in the incident.

Pakistani security sources said the three men were unarmed and had not attempted to cross the border fence. They accused Indian personnel of opening fire without warning and said the incident violated established border protocols.

The incident threatens to add to tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours, which have a long history of disputes and periodic security confrontations along their shared border.

Pakistan and India maintain border-management procedures intended to regulate activities near the international boundary, although disagreements over alleged crossings and security incidents have periodically prompted diplomatic protests.

Pakistan’s latest démarche seeks accountability for the deaths and assurances that similar incidents will not recur.

The Foreign Ministry said India must take effective measures to protect civilian lives and ensure that its border personnel act in accordance with international law and established procedures.