ISLAMABAD: The Chaman border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan would be closed for a few days due to threats, said Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed on Thursday.

Talking to media at the Noon police station, the minister said there were some threats and as a result the authorities had decided to close the border.

Forces are deployed on the border with Afghanistan which is also being fenced, he said, adding peace in Afghanistan was linked with peace in Pakistan and Islamabad wants stability and peace in the neighbouring country.

Replying to a question, Mr Ahmed said on the one hand the opposition was talking about a national government but on other they were refusing to hold talks with the government.

Time is coming when the opposition would have to talk with the government, he said, adding: the “government’s doors would not be closed.”

About the long march towards Islamabad, the minister said it is not the right time for a long march. No one will be allowed to disturb peace in the country, he added.

Critical days for Pakistan have started from August 15 which will continue for the next four to six months and we have to face these challenges with unity, the minister said.

The minister said steps were being taken to improve the overall efficiency of the capital police which included increase in the salaries of the policemen, recruitment of 1,500 personnel and extending the work scope of Eagle Squads. Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed to install cameras throughout Islamabad and 1,200 cameras would be given to the safe city project soon.

The minister promised to make the Islamabad police a stronger and professional force so that it could counter any challenge.

Mr Ahmed visited the Noon police station to inaugurate its new building and assured the officials of providing maximum resources to the police for effective policing.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Qazi Jamilur Rehman briefed him about steps being taken for effective policing and expenses incurred on the building of the new police station.

The minister also handed over valuables worth Rs210 million to their owners which were recovered by the police after nabbing criminals involved in robberies and thefts. The recovered items included vehicles, bikes, gold ornaments, cash, mobile phones, laptops and electronic equipment.

The IGP said the police recently handed over recovered valuables worth Rs570 million to their owners.

Published in Dawn, September 3rd, 2021