Editorial

When one gate closes

Tensions flared along the border after Afghan troops objected to Pakistani officials’ efforts to build a border fence

Editorial October 16, 2018

Tensions flared along the Afghan border after troops from the neighbouring country apparently objected to Pakistani officials’ efforts to build a border fence. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, but the incident served as a sad reminder of the insecurity on the western front caused by both, the existence of an open border, and efforts to seal it. Following Sunday’s clash, Pakistani officials closed the Friendship Gate at the border in Chaman, leaving hundreds of people stranded on either side and suspending all trade. It was only after the intervention of Balochistan MPA Muhammad Asghar Khan that the border was temporarily reopened to allow for people to move across.

Pakistan recently started fencing the 2,400kms Afghan border in K-P and Balochistan to prevent terrorists and smugglers from entering the country. But the fence also affects some residents on either side of the border who would cross over for various non-nefarious reasons as well. Afghanistan makes the latter argument to oppose the fence, which might have been acceptable if the Afghans secure their side of the border, but until then, Pakistan has a stronger case.

Recent reports suggest that Afghans security forces had been massing at the border before the incident, which would suggest that they were looking for trouble. Whatever their motive, as long as work was being done on the Pakistan side of the border, there was little they could complain about.

Kabul continues to blame Islamabad for its ills while ignoring the burden that the endless war places on Pakistan’s economy. Historians will clarify that the problem originated from Afghanistan’s north some 40 years back. The fence is only a reminder that the Afghan issue started in Afghanistan, and should be resolved in Afghanistan. Also, it is recognised that open borders among peaceful neighbours are a good thing. For now, the door is being shut, but with the right work Afghanistan could convince Pakistan to reopen it.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 16^th, 2018.

Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.