Kabul, Aug 19 (IANS): Kabul summoned Islamabad's top diplomat to protest the killing of eight Afghan border policemen in a clash between the security forces of the two turbulent neighbours.

The Afghan foreign ministry in a statement said a strong protest was lodged with Pakistani ambassador Syed Abrar Hussain when he was summoned late on Tuesday, Khaama Press reported.

During the meeting with Hussain, Deputy Foreign Minister Atiqullah Atifmal expressed serious concern over the killing of Afghan border police personnel by Pakistani security forces.

Atifmal warned that relations between the two countries would be marred if the Pakistani military continues to violate the principles of international relations and the principles of good neighbourliness.

He asserted that the Afghan government emphasizes on the security and lives of its people and a standard of relations with Pakistan and urged Pakistan to maintain relations similarly.