Pak-Afghan border disputes harming terror war: Sources

ISLAMABAD - The lingering small-scale border disputes between Pakistan and Afghanistan are reportedly making it difficult for the security forces in the country to fight terrorism and eliminate cross-border movements.

Well-placed military sources have claimed that the US supported Pakistan-Afghan border management project was unlikely to achieve its objectives because of the border disputes between the two countries.

“It is very difficult to curb border crossings unless there are adequate security measures adopted on Afghan side of the border,” The Nation quoted the source, as saying.

They said that despite limited resources, Pakistan had set up a large number of security checkpoints at the Pak-Afghan border to tackle massive border crossings, but the menace of cross-border movements continued unabated.

“We have killed many militants when they were trying to enter Pakistani side of the border. But that is not a sustainable solution,” sources disclosed.

They maintained that US-led multination forces and troops from the National Afghan Army were often very helpful and cooperative, but they were too small in number to effectively man the border.

“Moreover the issues relating to territorial jurisdictions in terms of operational strategies are negatively impacting the war against terror,” the sources added.

The sources further informed these hindrances, if not resolved as early as possible, might also lead to strain the relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan in future, especially after the US-led multinational forces left the war-torn country. (ANI)