Pakistan said on Monday that it would go ahead with selective
fencing and mining of border with Afghanistan and that the army has
been tasked to identify problem areas along the 2,500 km
border.
Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim 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 it will be publicly announced so that
people do not get killed," the spokesperson said.
To a question, she said 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 the partners in
Afghanistan and they were informed properly.
Regarding Pakistani-Afghan relations, the spokesperson said
positive developments have been made during the recent visit of
Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz to Kabul.
"Both the countries agreed on various agreements including
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 railway line from Chaman to
Spinboldak," she said.
She said Pakistan has also announced an additional US$50 million
contribution for Afghan reconstruction that has raised total amount
to US$300 million.
She said it is always useful that there is a regular interaction
between the two countries that promotes bilateral ties.
To another question, Aslam said there is an extraordinary
situation and extraordinary measures have to be taken but
Pakistanis also taking other measures apart from mining and
fencing.
She said after selecting points for mining it 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 hoping that 2007 will see a significant return of
Afghan refugees.
(Xinhua News Agency January 9, 2007)
