Afghanistan ambassador warns against travel to Pakistan
February 26, 2017
Afghanistan's ambassador to Pakistan on Saturday warned Afghan nationals against travel to Pakistan, if and when the border between the two countries is reopened.
Pakistan closed the border on February 16 due to security concerns after a series of bombings and shootings claimed by Taliban and "Islamic State" militants.
Islamabad claims the militants responsible for the attacks came across from Afghanistan, as the Pakistani military steps up operations in the porous border region. At least 130 people have been killed in terror attacks across Pakistan in the past two weeks.
The Afghan ambassador, Omar Zakhilwal, said on Facebook he hoped the border would be reopened in three or four days for those in need of medical treatment or who are stranded in Pakistan.
But he warned Afghans against "unnecessary travel" to Pakistan.
"The countrymen should avoid travelling to Pakistan even once the border is open," he warned.
Pakistan's foreign ministry spokesman Nafees Zakaria has said the border would be opened once better border management is ensured.
"Pakistan has continued to maintain and emphasize that effective border management is vital for preventing cross border movement of terrorists. Pakistan is ready to work with Afghanistan on those issues in a spirit of mutual respect, trust and cooperation," he was quoted as saying in the English language Express Tribune.
cw/jr (dpa)