Pakistan’s embassy in Kabul announced that Chaman and Kharlachi crossing points on the Durand Line will be closed for two days coinciding with the general elections in the country in Pakistan.

“The crossing points on Pakistan-Afghanistan border at Chaman and Kharlachi will remain closed on July 24 and 25,” the embassy said on their website. 

They noted however that Torkham will “remain open for normal traffic.” 

Meanwhile, efforts are being made to restrict Afghan refugees to their camps on Wednesday - polling day.

Pakistan’s Express Tribune reported that as part of security measures for election day, the Peshawar district administration has imposed a ban on the movement of Afghan refugees from their camps.

Sharing details of the preparations for the election day, Peshawar Deputy Commissioner Imran Hamid Sheikh told a news conference on Monday that they have prepared for any eventuality on the polling day, including arrangements for 1,000 shrouds.

“God forbid, we are prepared to an extent … any untoward incident,” he said while addressing the news conference, adding that they are hopeful that no such incident would take place.

He said that as many as 1,217 polling stations have been set up in Peshawar, including 655 for men and 517 for women. Around 45 polling stations are combined.