Pakistani authorities Saturday tightened controls on the border with Afghanistan, fearing members of the Islamic militia may try to enter the country if their control of the south collapses.
Pakistani Col Mohammed Sarwar said it appeared that the Taliban were "in the
last phase of their battle" with the US-led coalition.
"They may come in bulk so that's why we strengthened our positions," Sarwar
said.
Chaman is south of the Taliban stronghold Kandahar, where the situation was
uncertain following reports that Taliban supreme leader Mohammed Omar had agreed
to leave the city.
One traveler from Kandahar, Abdul Bari Hairan, said the Taliban were still in
control of the center of the city but more of them had been moved to defensive
positions south of town.
He said there appeared to be no functioning civil administration in the city,
which has been repeatedly pounded by US bombing, and that the population was
divided over its loyalties.
"Some want the northern alliance, some want (former king Mohammad) Zaher Shah,
some want the Taliban," Hairan said.
Bureau Report
