ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s government on Friday said it had closed the gates along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border for two days according to a circular issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad.
The decision – to shut down the crossings along the Chaman and Torkham border today and tomorrow – was taken at Kabul’s request to help it conduct its parliamentary elections seamlessly. “Both the crossing points will remain closed for all kinds of traffic, except emergency cases,” it added.
However, on Friday, the Afghan government said that it had decided to postpone the polls to maintain security in the Kandahar province, following the killings of two top officials in Kandahar city on Thursday in an attack initiated by a Taliban militant. The officials included Kandahar’s governor, its police and intelligence chief who had congregated to attend a security meeting with American officials and discuss security measures for the upcoming elections.
Afghanistan remains prone to extremist violence, though its security forces have been fighting against militant factions with international assistance for years. It has frequently blamed Pakistan for its security deficit, though Islamabad has also accused Kabul of providing a sanctuary to groups and individuals who have been targeting Pakistani state and society with impunity.
Pakistan shuts down Chaman and Torkham gates
Pakistan shuts down Chaman and Torkham gates
- Initiates move for two days on Afghanistan’s request
- Follows killings of top Kandahar officials on Thursday
