"These Afghan soldiers arrived at Arundu sector, Chitral late last night. After contact with Afghan authorities and necessary military procedures, 46 soldiers including five officers have been given refuge [and] safe passage into Pakistan," it said.

The statement said it responded to a request for help made by ANA commander opposite Arundu, Chitral because "they were unable to hold their military posts along [the] Pak-Afghan International Border due to [the] evolving security situation in Afghanistan."

The Pakistan Army has contacted Afghan authorities for necessary formalities, the statement said and they would be returned to Afghanistan authorities after the due process.

The ISPR statement also wrote about the Pakistan army giving refuge to 35 Afghan soldiers on July 1. They too were returned to Afghan authorities after the formalities were completed.