Pakistan shuts key crossings into Afghanistan, Iran amid terror attacks ahead of elections

ISLAMABAD – Pakistani government closed key border crossings with Afghanistan, and Iran amid sharp uptick in militants attacks as the country heads to polls on Thursday.

Balochistan, the country’s most vulnerable region, saw multiple bomb blasts near as political candidates come under attack. Around 28 people lost their lives while dozens were injured.

Amdi the violence, the Foreign Office closed border crossings with Afghanistan and Iran during the general elections in Pakistan. MoFA spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said the move aimed to ensure full security during the general elections, border crossings with Afghanistan and Iran, would remain closed both for cargo and pedestrians.

She said normal operations would start again on Friday.

To ensure full security during the general elections to be held in Pakistan on 8 Feb 2024, border crossings with Afghanistan and Iran, would remain closed both for cargo and pedestrians. Normal operations would resume on 9 Feb 2024.

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) February 7, 2024

The crisis-hit country saw a massive increase in terror activities, especially in KP and Balochistan, as Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan attacked security personnel.

Ahead of the election Pakistani officials ordered to complete deployment of security personnel while Armed forces are deployed to ensure smooth polling process.