“The decision (to shut gates) has been taken to support Afghanistan in smooth conduct of upcoming Parliamentary elections in the country (on Saturday),” the FO said.
Pakistan-Afghanistan border in northwest Pakistan's Torkham. (Xinhua/Muhammad Hadi/IANS)
Following Afghanistan’s request, Pakistan on Friday closed down two main border crossings with Afghanistan for two days. It is done to facilitate the smooth conduct of upcoming parliamentary elections in the restive country.
The Foreign Office said that the Afghan government sent a request to keep the friendship gates on Pakistan-Afghanistan border crossing points at Chaman and Torkham closed on October 19 and 20.
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“The decision (to shut gates) has been taken to support Afghanistan in smooth conduct of upcoming Parliamentary elections in the country (on Saturday),” the FO said.
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Both the crossing points will remain closed for all kinds of traffic except emergency cases said the FO.
Thousands of people cross into either country every day for business, medical treatment and meeting relatives.
(With agency inputs)
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