Pak-Afghan border sealed for two days

Pakistan sealed its border with Afghanistan, barring all forms of crossings for two days as part of its enhanced security measures taken for the religious festival Muharram, a media report said Tuesday.

The decision followed the complete halt of civilian movement across the border till Wednesday morning, the Daily Times reported.

According to military officials, the Pakistan Army had communicated to the Afghan National Army (ANA) regarding its decision to seal the border last week.

Reports of suspicious movements near the Pak-Afghan border involving alleged instances of unauthorised border crossings into the Pakistan side prompted the Pakistani authorities to take the decision.

The decision to close the Pak-Afghan border during the first ten days of Muharram was on the cards initially but the idea was dropped, keeping in mind public convenience, the officials said.

Hundreds of people from both the sides cross the border every day, mainly for trade-related activities.

Blocking civilian movement for ten days was not a feasible option, the officials added.