Senator Abdul Qadir Says Pak–Afghan Border Closure Is Producing Positive National Security Results

Senator Muhammad Abdul Qadir said the Pakistan–Afghanistan border closure has been an important and effective step for national security. He said reduced terrorism compared to previous years reflects that restrictions on illegal cross-border movement disrupted extremist networks’ supply, movement and logistics. He said stronger border monitoring, fencing, modern check posts and coordinated intelligence sharing made terrorist entry difficult, and helped control smuggling, drug trafficking and illegal trade. He added that the phased and dignified return of Afghan refugees is an important policy component and that their prolonged, unorganized stay increased economic pressure and created security and social issues. He said returns have reduced pressure on employment, health and education, and that humanitarian principles, international law and regional diplomacy were considered in this process.