ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has decided to rigorously enforce international laws along its border with Afghanistan, aiming to curb the influx of terrorists and smuggled goods into the country.
Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Thursday told a local news channel that the government not only aim to reduce economic losses caused by smuggling operations but also to enhance security measures and prevent terrorist infiltrations across the border.
“All traffic from Afghanistan will now require a valid passport and visa for entry into Pakistan,” Asif declared, signaling an end to the longstanding practice of undocumented Afghan crossings.
The decision comes amid a surge in cross-border attacks on Pakistani security forces, often involving sophisticated weaponry. Islamabad has repeatedly urged Afghanistan’s interim government to prevent its territory from being used by groups like Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) for attacks against Pakistan.
Asif highlighted the escalation in terrorism since the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, attributing most incidents to Afghan soil. He underscored the necessity of stringent border controls similar to those maintained with China, Iran, and India.
Addressing concerns over divided families along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, Asif likened the situation to Kashmir and other disputed regions. He acknowledged Afghanistan’s historical dispute over the Durand Line but emphasized the need for formal border regulations.
The 2,640-kilometer border has 18 crossing points, with Torkham and Chaman being the most utilized for trade and movement between Balochistan and Kandahar.
In response to recent remarks by Maulana Fazlur Rehman regarding China, Asif affirmed China’s steadfast cooperation with Pakistan, dismissing any doubts and reaffirming the success of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to Beijing and the revival of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
“The prime minister’s visit has further strengthened Pak-China relations,” Asif concluded, highlighting strategic matters that remain confidential but contribute to enhancing bilateral ties.
