KABUL, Feb 18: The two main border posts between Afghanistan and Pakistan were closed as a security measure for the general election on Monday, officials said.

The Torkham and Spin Boldak posts, used by thousands of people daily, were shut on the request of Pakistan.

Torkham closed late on Sunday for all vehicle and pedestrian traffic and was due to reopen on Tuesday, the border police commander in the area Chitral Shinwari told AFP.

Spin Boldak, further south, was closed for three days to vehicles but would be opened on Tuesday and Wednesday for pedestrians, Kandahar border police commander General Abdul Razeq said.

“We have agreed with Pakistani authorities that the border (would) be closed for three days for smooth parliamentary elections in Pakistan with no security problems,” the commander said.—AFP