ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has closed border crossing points with Afghanistan and Iran to ensure complete security measures for Thursday’s general elections.
Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch announced on Wednesday that border crossings with both neighboring countries will remain closed on February 8.
The spokesperson took to X to announce the decision. “To ensure full security during the general elections, border crossings with Afghanistan and Iran would remain closed both for cargo and pedestrians,” she posted on X.
To ensure full security during the general elections to be held in Pakistan on 8 Feb 2024, border crossings with Afghanistan and Iran, would remain closed both for cargo and pedestrians. Normal operations would resume on 9 Feb 2024.
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) February 7, 2024
Normal operations are expected to resume on Friday.
The decision follows the tragic back-to-back blasts in Balochistan province that left more than 29 people dead and injured 40 others.
Earlier today, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja instructed police chiefs and chief secretaries of all provinces to heighten security measures in light of the terror attacks in Balochistan prior to the 2024 general elections.
The CEC held discussions with Chief Secretaries and Inspector-General of Police (IGP) of all provinces, expressing condolences over the incidents and directing immediate action to address such threats.
Sikandar Sultan Raja emphasized the prompt deployment of security personnel, stressing the importance of ensuring the safety of voters and electoral offices.
