Pakistan asks Afghanistan to hand over 76 terrorists immediately

DG ISPR says Afghan Embassy officials called to General Headquarters

Pakistan Army on Friday asked Kabul to hand over 76 terrorists hiding in Afghanistan, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

The head of the military's media wing DG ISPR Major-General Asif Ghafoor said Afghan Embassy officials were called to General Headquarters. "Given list of 76 terrorists hiding in Afghanistan. Asked to take immediate action/be handed over to Pakistan," he said.

Afg Embassy officials called in GHQ. Given list of 76 Ts hiding in Afg. Asked to take immediate action / be handed over to Pakistan.

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) February 17, 2017

The move comes after a surge in terror attacks across Pakistan. On Thursday night, minutes after the army chief vowed to respond to the recent wave of terror in the country, security forces closed the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan for all sorts of communication indefinitely.

“The Pakistan-Afghanistan border closed with immediate effect till further orders due to security reasons,” ISPR DG Maj-Gen Asif Ghafoor tweeted shortly after Gen Qamar’s statement.



Speaking to The Express Tribune on condition of anonymity, a top security official said the decision to close the border was taken in a high-level meeting on Thursday. “The border will remain closed for all sorts of trade, transport and people crossing over to both sides,” the official said. He added that the border will now only be reopened after thorough consultation with civil and military authorities.