Pakistan not to close Torkham border

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will not seal Torkham border crossing for Afghans during the upcoming parliamentary elections in Afghanistan.

Commenting on speculations regarding closure of the border during the landmark polls in the landlocked country, a Pakistani official Gulsam Khan insisted no such decision had been taken at official level.

"Neither Pakistani authorities nor the Afghan government conveyed instructions regarding sealing of the border," continued the official.

An official of the Interior Ministry told Pajhwok News Agency they were planning to close the Torkham border as they had done at Chaman to ensure peace in Afghanistan during the parliamentary elections.

However, the official said Torkham border might not be sealed to ensure maximum number of Afghans participate in the elections.