NA passes resolution seeking tightened security at Pak-Afghan border

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Tuesday passed a resolution urging the government to take effective steps to strengthen Pakistan-Afghanistan border security. The resolution was tabled by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmaker Murad Saeed. Speaking on the resolution, the members were of the opinion that strengthening of Pakistan-Afghanistan border security is imperative to stop terrorist attacks, illegal border crossings and illegal trade. Earlier, the National Assembly was informed that the government under the purview of Ministry of Interior is taking a number of steps to strengthen border security.

Parliamentary Secretary for Interior Maryam Aurangzeb told the House that permit system for border crossing is being integrated with the NADRA database. She pointed out that a summary has been sent to the President for approval under which Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) rules will be applicable on border movement.

She said blockage of CNICs issued to foreigners is also a step towards border security. Pakistan's seven tribal districts near the Afghan border are rife with insurgents and are strongholds of Taliban and Al-Qaeda operatives. Most militants have fled ongoing military offensives, taking refuge across the porous border from where they have launched attacks on Pakistani military checkpoints and civilians. In June 2014 the army launched a long-awaited offensive, Zarb-e-Azb, against militants in the tribal areas of North Waziristan, where they had previously been operating with impunity.