Pakistan, Afghanistan close down crossing points for polls

Pakistan and Afghanistan today closed down all crossing points between them to ensure that the polls in the war-torn country take place smoothly.
Pakistani military said additional troops have been deployed on the Afghan border since March 20 to reinforce existing security arrangements for conduct of peaceful elections in Afghanistan tomorrow.
Host of measures have been taken for the purpose of maintaining security in the border areas after due deliberation and coordination with Afghan Security forces, it said.
Checking by immigration staff at crossing points has been enhanced and patrolling stepped up in areas close to the border.
Strict checking measures have been taken on routes from mainland leading towards border areas.

All crossing points have been closed from today till conclusion of polling on the election day, the military said.

Communication at Border Coordination Centres on both sides has also been enhanced and a hotline contact has been established between the two Military Operations Directorates.
Aerial surveillance will also be carried out to check any untoward cross border movement, the military here said.
Afghans would be voting tomorrow to elect their new President as the foreign military forces prepare for a drawdown by year-end.