Pakistan deploys army troops to Durand Line

PESHAWAR (Pajhwok): Pakistan Army troops have replaced paramilitary forces on the Durand Line, says Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed.

Frontier Constabulary, Levies Force and other militia personnel have been removed from frontline positions on the British-era frontier.

The Frontier Constabulary in Balochistan and other militias working under the Interior Ministry had been called back from border patrols, Rashid said.

Linking the move to escalating insecurity in the neighbouring country, he said in an interview: “Now regular army troops are manning the Durand Line.”

The minister told Dawn the worsening situation warranted the containment of refugees’ influx from Afghanistan as well as the entry of militants into Pakistan.

He added paramilitary troops were deployed to deal with regular issues, including illegal crossings and smuggling. “However,

The interior minister explained the war across the Durand Line was Afghanistan’s internal issue. Pakistan, without taking sides, had no favourites in Afghanistan, he maintained.

“Now is the time for Afghan politicians and their military leadership to learn to deal with their issues. We do not want to Pakistani soil to be used in any way or by any party to the Afghan conflict…”

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