PESHAWAR, May 14: The authorities have banned the display of arms for the first time in the tribal area bordering Afghanistan, local officials said.

The ban came after President Pervez Musharraf said last week the military presence along the border would be beefed up to stop the infiltration of alleged terrorists from Afghanistan.

Small numbers of United States troops have been assisting the military to hunt down Taliban and Al Qaeda fugitives in the region.

“The ban will come into force from Wednesday. Anyone carrying or displaying weapons will be arrested and the weapon confiscated,” a security official said.

Residents said paramilitary troops were seen stationed at key crossings in Miran Shah, checking vehicles and warning those carrying weapons that the ban was about to take effect.—AFP