Islamabad: The fire that Pakistan has set in Afghanistan by supporting the Taliban, is now scorching itself. Just 15 days after the Taliban’s capture, Pakistan is now so afraid of Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) that the country on Thursday temporarily closed a key border crossing with Afghanistan. Apart from the possibility of a TTP attack, Pakistan has taken this step due to fear of the influx of refugees eager to leave their homeland after the Taliban seized power last month.
Chaman border crossing – the second-largest commercial border point with Afghanistan after the Torkham commercial town in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – has been closed due to security threats, Geo News reported, citing sources.
Earlier in the day, Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed had said that the Chaman crossing may be closed for some days due to security threats.
He said Pakistan desires peace and stability in Afghanistan, adding that peace in Afghanistan is important for peace in Pakistan.
The crossing links Pakistan’s border town of Chaman with Spin Boldak in the Afghan province of Kandahar and is frequented by the Afghan as well as used for trade between the two countries.
Pakistan officials have expressed fears that about a millions of refugees would rush into the country if border regulations were relaxed.