QUETTA: Pakistani authorities on Tuesday closed the country’s border with Afghanistan near Chaman for two days.

According to a security official, there will be no movement of people at the Pak-Afghan border near Chaman on Tuesday and Wednesday because of general elections in the country on July 25.

He said that the border with Afghanistan had been closed to ensure security during the election process in the country. All trade activities would remain suspended on the election day, he added.

Official sources said that security had been beefed up in border areas of Chaman where extra troops had been deployed.

They said the border would open on Thursday, but the movement of people from both sides would remain limited. “Only passport holders or patients would be allowed to cross the border.”

Meanwhile, the sources said, internet service will remain suspended for some days in Qilla Abdullah, Awaran, Khuzdar, Turbat, Mastung, Kalat and some other sensitive areas of Balochistan.

Published in Dawn, July 25th, 2018