Pak boosts border security for smooth Afghan polls

Islamabad: Pakistan on Saturday said that its army has taken several key measures to boost security on the restive border with Afghanistan to facilitate a peaceful presidential election in the war-torn country.

Polling is underway in Afghanistan in a run-off between the two leading candidates Abdullah Abdullah and Ashraf Ghani. Military spokesman Major General Asim Saleem Bajwa said that Pakistan had deployed additional troops on the Afghan border to reinforce existing security arrangements for conduct of peaceful elections in Afghanistan. "A number of measures have been taken for the purpose after due deliberation and coordination with Afghan security forces," he said. He said while ensuring a smooth flow of Afghan refugee voters from Pakistan, checking by immigration staff at crossing points has been enhanced and patrolling has been increased in areas close to the border. "Strict checking measures have been taken on routes from mainland leading towards border areas. Communication at Border Coordination Centres on both sides has also been enhanced and a hotline contact has been established between the two Military Operations directorates," he said. Additionally, aerial surveillance is also being carried out to check any untoward cross border movement. Afghan officials often blame Pakistan for the volatile security situation in their country. Pakistan has denied such allegations, saying that it wants a peaceful Afghanistan.