Pak-Afghan border crossing at Chaman, Kharlachi closed for two days amid polls

FO spokesperson says Torkham border will remain open for normal traffic

QUETTA: The border crossings between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Chaman, Balochistan and Kharlachi, Khyber-Pakhutnkhwa were closed by the government on Tuesday for two days (Wednesday and Thursday) in the wake of general elections in the country, Foreign Office spokesperson Muhammad Faisal confirmed.

However, the spokesperson said, “Torkham [border] will remain open for normal traffic.”

In addition to the friendship gate, all non-traditional routes on the border have been sealed. Business activities and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) transit trade have also been suspended..



According to security officials, the gate will remain closed on July 25 and 26 due to security threats during polling. Internet services have also been suspended across the Chaman district.

Interim Balochistan Chief Minister Alauddin Marri has expressed satisfaction over the security arrangements made at the border for the elections scheduled for July 25 (today).

“Our brave security forces personnel have been protecting the Pak-Afghan border with their lives,” said Marri during his visit to Chaman the other day. “Unfortunately, our enemies have been stoking violence in Pakistan via Afghanistan.” .



He also urged the people of Balochistan to come out and vote on July 25. “The caretaker government is responsible for providing a safe atmosphere on polling day and we are utilising all the resources at our disposal for the purpose,” said Marri. Additional input by app

The army began building fences along the Pak-Afghan border in Balochistan after a meeting in Chaman between Frontier Corps (FC) officials and tribal elders in February.

Fences have also been built along the northwestern border in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to curb Afghan militants entering Pakistan.