Daily Times

The Chaman border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan was closed by the government on Tuesday, officials said.

In addition to the friendship gate, all non-traditional routes on the border have been sealed. Business activities and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) transit trade have been suspended. According to security officials, the gate will remain closed till tomorrow (July 26) to prevent militant activity during polling. Internet services have also been suspended across Chaman district.

Interim Balochistan Chief Minister Alauddin Marri expressed satisfaction with the security arrangements made at the border for elections scheduled for today.

During his visit to Chaman, the provincial chief said: “Our brave security forces personnel have been protecting the Pak-Afghan border. “Unfortunately, our enemies are stoking violence in Pakistan via Afghanistan.” He also urged the people to come out and vote.

“The caretaker government is responsible for providing a safe atmosphere on polling day and we are utilising all resources at our disposal for the purpose,” said Marri

On July 20, at least four people were injured in an attack meant to target security force personnel in Chaman. The incident occurred a week after a suicide bombing left 149 dead in Mastung, including Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) leader Sairaj Rasani.

The army began building fences along the Pak-Afghan border in Balochistan after a meeting in Chaman between Frontier Corps (FC) officials and tribal elders in February.

Published in Daily Times, July 25^th 2018.