• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Pakistan to go ahead with border fencing, mining: spokesperson

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, Jan 9, IRNA
Pakistan-Border fencing
Pakistan said Monday that it would go ahead with selective fencing and mining of its border with Afghanistan and that the army has been tasked to identify problem areas along some 2500 kilometers of the border.

Foreign Office spokesperson Tasneem Aslam told reporters that Pakistan has not sought any support for this purpose and has no intention to seek it as "we are working on it at our own." She rejected as "speculative" a report by Afghan Pajhwak News Agency that work on the fence has already started.

When mines are laid down a public announcement will be made so that people do not get killed, the spokesperson said.

To a question, she said the Pakistan Army, after a complete survey, will submit its suggestions in this regard and will point out selective points for this purpose.

She said the decision of fencing and mining was discussed at the higher level with foreign dignitaries, including partners in Afghanistan, who were informed properly.

Regarding Pak-Afghan relations, the spokesperson said positive developments have been made during the recent visit of the prime minister to Kabul.

Both countries have arrived at various agreements, including the return of refugees and their settlement in Afghanistan, besides closure of camps close to the border, cooperation in combating extremism and terrorism and laying of a railway line from Chaman to Spinboldak, she said.

She said Pakistan has also announced an additional USD 50 million contribution for Afghan reconstruction that has raised the total amount to USD 300 million.

She said that it was always useful to have a regular interaction between the two countries that promotes bilateral ties.

To another question, Tasneem Aslam said an extraordinary situation existed and extraordinary measures have to be taken, adding that Pakistan was also taking other measures apart from mining and fencing.

She said after selecting points for mining these will be publicized properly and precautionary measures will be taken to ensure safety of public life.

Counting other measures, she said monitoring of refugees camps will be increased, and hoped that 2007 will see a significant return of Afghan refugees.

She also hoped that the registration process will also help curb illegal cross-border movement.

On a statement of the EU representative regarding possible sanctions on Pakistan in case of rigging in the next general elections, the spokesperson said Pakistan rejects any threats whatsoever.

She said relations between Pakistan and the EU are equally in the interest of both sides and are based on mutual interest, equality and respect for each other.

Regarding Iraq, she said Pakistan wants to see peace and stability restored in Iraq and an end to violence which will result in development and progress for its people.

2020/235/2321/1414