Zardari welcomes border fencing with Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD: Former President Asif Ali Zardari has said that border management with Afghanistan with mutual consultation is critical for addressing issues in militancy and terrorism and for peace in the region. 

"Proper securing of borders with mutual consultation will put an end to allegations of cross-border incursions of militants that has vitiated the relations between the brotherly neighbours Pakistan and Afghanistan,” he said while commenting on reports emanating on Sunday that fencing of border with Afghanistan along the border areas in Bajaur and Momand has started. 

The former president said it was unfortunate that the relations between the two countries had plunged low in recent times and called for concerted and sincere efforts by both countries to overcome mistrust and suspicions. "Border management with mutual consultation has long been delayed," said the former president adding that decision on it should no longer be delayed.

A decision delayed is not a problem avoided, it is crisis invited, he said. Asif Ali Zardari expressed the hope that the move to begin border fencing will be welcomed by all those wanting an end to militancy and to the counterproductive allegations of cross-border incursions.