Government officials from Afghanistan and Pakistan recently approved a plan to put biometric identity systems at the border between the two countries
A recent agreement between government officials in Pakistan and Afghanistan will set up a system to exchange biometric identification data to protect against smuggling across the border.
The Afghan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement will integrate biometric identity systems to check the legitimacy and identity of those carrying permits granting the legal transport of goods between the two countries. Biometric identification will also help prevent terrorist insurgents from either country from crossing the border, as the system will identify individuals deemed dangerous by law enforcement in either nation.
While sources familiar with the agreement claim the Afghan government does not currently have the resources for a biometric system, Afghan officials did announce the government would not object to Pakistan integrating the technology at the border, the International Herald Tribune reports. The agreement is a step toward implementing Afghanistan’s first biometric identification system, although Pakistan would have to fully fund and operate the program at the countries’ border.
During the U.S.’s long war with Afghanistan, biometrics have been sought as a solution to quell difficulties in preventing terrorists from immigrating into the country. A Wall Street Journal report earlier this month highlighted General David Petraeus’ recommendations for biometric ID’s to solve insurgency issues during the war.
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