QUETTA: Elders of different tribes have pledged support to the government over fencing of the border with Afghanistan for better border management and security.

A jirga was held in Chaman town at Pakistan-Afghan border on Saturday which was largely attended by the elders of different tribes and senior officials of the Frontier Corps (FC) and local administration.

The jirga discussed the situation at the border and took decisions regarding its security. A senior FC officer took into confidence the tribal elders on the government’s plan of fencing the border.

Official sources said that jirga members termed it a wise decision for the security of border areas and towns located along the border.

The work on fencing will begin within this month so as to improve management, enhance security and stop illegal crossing from across both sides of the border.

Besides tribal elders, former provincial minister Naseer Khan Bacha speaking on the occasion said that the Pakhtun tribes living in the border districts would extend all help and cooperation to the authorities concerned in fencing the border.

Published in Dawn, February 4th, 2018