Pakistan beefs up border security
Friday, 16 November, 2001, 12:02 GMT BBC News
Pakistan is concerned about instability in border areas

Pakistan has begun deploying extra troops along part of its border with Afghanistan to prevent armed Taleban fighters from crossing into the country.

The Home Secretary for Baluchistan province, Azmat Orakzai, told the BBC that the Chaman border crossing - near the southern city of Quetta - was now closed.
 

Vulnerable refugees will be let through

However, he said that the closure would not apply to refugees considered vulnerable.

He said the number of guards at the post had been increased and that reinforcements would also be sent to other parts of the border in Baluchistan.

Arrangements had been made to ensure no Taleban crossed over, he said.

He also said that consultations had been held with tribal elders in the area to ensure their co-operation.

Kandahar fears

Mr Orakzai said they did anticipate that a large number of Taleban fighters might try to get into Pakistan if they lost control of the southern city of Kandahar.

The city is some 120 km from Chaman.

The AFP news agency quoted Pakistan military officials as saying 150 troops had been sent immediately to the border and the rest would be progressively deployed - backed up by tanks.

Pakistan is known to be deeply concerned that the collapse of the Taleban - particularly in areas adjacent to the border - could create serious instability with consequences for the country's internal security.