ISLAMABAD: At least 17 Pakistani youths from Chitral have joined Afghan security forces and become a part of Border police and Mehak force.

This was confirmed by the military authorities here on Tuesday in reply to a question about enlistment of Pakistani youths with the Afghan forces.

However, with the help of tribal elders, about seven of them had been compelled to return after resigning their jobs, the authorities said.

Apart from three, who are believed to be of Afghan origin, efforts were being made to bring back the other youths, they added.

Earlier, media reports claimed that up to 1,500 youths had joined Afghan forces.

The reports compelled the armed forces to launch a drive and the Navy set up a camp in the area to recruit youths as sailors. As a result, about 1,000 men from Chitral had joined the navy, sources said.