Afghan Foreign Minister Cancels Agra visit; Taj Mahal tour called off last minute

Following the violence in Saharanpur, the police and administration had made strict security arrangements for the Afghan Foreign Minister’s arrival. A heavy police force was deployed to prevent any untoward incident.

Agra: Afghan Foreign Minister Maulvi Amir Khan Muttaqi's visit to Agra on Sunday was abruptly cancelled. DCP City Sonam Kumar stated that his Agra visit has been cancelled. However, no information has been received yet about his new itinerary. The Afghan Foreign Minister was scheduled to visit the Taj Mahal, but his visit has been put on hold.

Tight Security Arrangements

Following the violence in Saharanpur, the police and administration had made strict security arrangements for the Afghan Foreign Minister's arrival. A heavy police force was deployed to prevent any untoward incident. The administration was extremely vigilant regarding security during the Taj Mahal visit. The administration paid special attention to ensuring that there were no lapses in security arrangements in the city before the Afghan Minister's arrival.

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Muslim Delegation's Meeting Fails

A Muslim delegation led by Mufti Majid Rumi of Agra was keen to meet the Afghan Foreign Minister, but the administration did not allow anyone to meet him. The administration clarified that the meeting was prevented due to security reasons.

Program Cancelled

The Afghan Foreign Minister was scheduled to arrive in Agra from Deoband via Shilpgram at 9 am. His visit to the Taj Mahal was scheduled from 11 am to 12 noon. However, his visit was cancelled at the last minute, rendering the administration's security arrangements and preparations futile.

Violent Clashes Along Border

Earlier in the conflict that has been ongoing since late Saturday night along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, Taliban-backed Afghan forces have captured several Pakistani posts. The Afghan Defense Ministry has confirmed that Pakistani army posts in Kunar and Helmand provinces have been captured by Taliban forces.

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A Taliban-backed Afghan army official stated that heavy fighting broke out in the Shakeez, Bibi Jani, and Selhan areas of Bahramcha district. Violent clashes were also reported in the Aryub Jazi district of Paktia province. Sources indicate that at least 12 Pakistani soldiers were killed and several injured in the clashes.

Pakistani security officials stated that their army was responding "with full force" to the alleged unprovoked fire from Afghanistan. Afghan Defense Ministry spokesman Enayatullah Khawarzami described the action as a response to Pakistan's airspace violation and warned that if Pakistan violates Afghan airspace again, their armed forces will respond strongly.