Imran Khan opposes fencing of Durand Line, favours European style ties with Afghanistan

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Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf Chief Imran Khan has opposed the fencing along the disputed 2,500km Durand Line with Afghanistan and favoured having an open border between the two neighbours like European Union type of relationship.

"Rather than building fences, I think it should have open, free trade, it should be like a European Union type of relationship. That's our long term future and this would be of enormous benefit to Afghanistan and Pakistan," Khaama Press quoted Khan as saying during an interview with U.S. Media.

Imran Khan called for an 'open borders' and 'free trade' policy between the two neighboring nations and said fencing remains one of the main factors behind the deteriorating ties between Kabul and Islamabad.

"The long term relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan is open borders," Khan said.

Pakistan has already started fencing Durand Line nearly two months ago in an effort to improve security situation along the border and first phase of fencing is focussed on high infiltration prone border areas in Bajaur.

The Inter Services Public Relations, media wing of the Pakistani military, in a statement said "Measures to improve the security situation along the Pak-Afghan border continue and phase fencing of Pak-Afghan border has commenced.