English By Roshan Noorzai Share on Facebook Print this page
Pakistan’s border fence with Afghanistan marks a major milestone in Islamabad’s efforts to improve security along its western border, but some Pakistani traders say they are concerned the project will harm their livelihoods by disrupting centuries-old trade routes.
Pakistan’s military said in early December that it would have the country’s 2,600-kilometer border, which Afghanistan calls the Durand Line, fenced off within the next two months.
Pakistan Says Afghan Border Fence Nearly Complete
A robust fence has already been erected along 83% of the historically porous border
The country’s foreign minister, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, told journalists last week that the fencing would prevent illegal crossings and reduce infiltration by terrorists. The $500 million project consists of two wire fences that are 9 feet high, separated by a 6-foot gap full of barbed wi