27 Sep 2019 | 10:35 AM UTC
Pakistan: Authorities close border with Afghanistan ahead of elections September 27-28
The Pakistani government orders a two-day closure of all land borders with Afghanistan ahead of the Afghan presidential election September 27-28; heightened security presence expected over the coming days
Event
The Pakistani government announced on Thursday, September 26, that all land border crossing with Afghanistan will be closed from Friday, September 27, through Saturday, September 28, ahead of the presidential elections scheduled to take place in Afghanistan on Saturday.
Strict pedestrian and trading vehicle checks have been conducted since Thursday, September 26, and are expected to remain in place until Sunday, September 29. Extra security personnel have also been deployed along the border.
A heightened security presence is to be anticipated along border areas in the coming days.
Context
Saturday's election will be Afghanistan's fourth presidential elections since a US-led coalition removed the Taliban from power in 2001. In a statement issued in August, the Taliban had pledged to disrupt polls, denouncing the electoral process as a sham.
Similar security steps have been taken by Pakistan ahead of previous parliamentary and presidential elections in the neighboring country.
