Pakistan said on Monday that it would go ahead with selective fencing and mining of border with Afghanistan and that the army has been tasked to identify problem areas along the 2,500 km border.

Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam told reporters that Pakistan has not sought any support for this purpose and has no intention to seek it as "we are working on it at our own."

She rejected as speculative a report by Afghan Pajhwak News Agency that work on the fence has already started.

"When mines are laid down it will be publicly announced so that people do not get killed," the spokesperson said.

To a question, she said Pakistan Army after a complete survey will submit its suggestions in this regard and will point out selective points for this purpose.

She said the decision of fencing and mining was discussed at the higher level with foreign dignitaries including the partners in Afghanistan and they were informed properly.

Regarding Pakistani-Afghan relations, the spokesperson said positive developments have been made during the recent visit of Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz to Kabul.

"Both the countries agreed on various agreements including return of refugees and their settlement in Afghanistan besides closure of camps close to the border, cooperation in combating extremism and terrorism and laying of railway line from Chaman to Spinboldak," she said.

She said Pakistan has also announced an additional US$50 million contribution for Afghan reconstruction that has raised total amount to US$300 million.

She said it is always useful that there is a regular interaction between the two countries that promotes bilateral ties.

To another question, Aslam said there is an extraordinary situation and extraordinary measures have to be taken but Pakistanis also taking other measures apart from mining and fencing.

She said after selecting points for mining it will be publicized properly and precautionary measures will be taken to ensure safety of public life.

Counting other measures, she said monitoring of refugees camps will be increased hoping that 2007 will see a significant return of Afghan refugees.

(Xinhua News Agency January 9, 2007)