Pakistan has taken additional security measures along the border with Afghanistan ahead of the second round of Afghan presidential elections due on June 14.
Speaking at a weekly media briefing on Thursday, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tasnim Aslam said the measures include enhanced vigilance and security along the border with increased patrolling and closure of border crossing areas.
She added that the immigration staff will increase their checking and communication will be strengthened with the Afghan counterparts through the existing communication mechanism and the hotline contact.
She said that Pakistan had previously taken special measures along the border Pak-Afghan border on the occasion of the first phase of Afghan presidential elections, earlier this year.
Aslam said that the Afghan presidential elections are a milestone in the democratic journey of the Afghans.
Congratulating the people of Afghanistan on this achievement, she reiterated that these elections are an Afghan affair with Afghan electoral institutions in the lead.
She expressed the hope that the Afghan voters will once again demonstrate their firm resolve and exercise their right to franchise with full determination.
She said that Pakistan sincerely supports the cause of democracy and peaceful transition in Afghanistan. “It is our earnest hope that the Afghan nation will emerge safer and more unified at the culmination of the presidential elections,” she said, adding that Pakistan stands committed to supporting the Afghans in every possible manner in their quest for peace and prosperity.
US DRONE STRIKES: When asked about the US drone attack in North Waziristan Agency, Aslam said, “Our position on these strikes is very clear and evident from different resolutions. As regards the recent drone strikes, we are still ascertaining the situation and facts.”
KARACHI ATTACK PROBE: Responding to a question regarding the reports that Indian weapons were used in the recent attack on Karachi attack, she said that investigation is still underway.
“We are not in a habit of hurling allegations without any proper investigation,” she said, adding that terrorism is an issue that Pakistan and India discuss whenever they meet.
On Pak-India foreign secretary level talks, she said both the countries are in contact for the resuming the dialogue process.
Responding to a question, Aslam said that the presence of foreign terrorists in the tribal areas has a history.
“Terrorism poses a threat to our security and we can eradicate this menace through collective efforts,” she said.
Aslam said that the issue of movement of foreign terrorists to the tribal areas is discussed regularly with Afghanistan.
She said the Punjab government has constituted investigative teams to recover the kidnapped Chinese nationals.
