Pakistan to build fence along border

Soldiers of special forces of Pakistan army being trained in troubled the Pakistani tribal area of Miran Shah in North Waziristan along the Afghanistan border, Saturday, Feb 17, 2007. Pakistan's wild tribal belt has been a refuge for Taliban and al-Qaida militants since the U.S.-led invasion that ousted the hardline militia from Afghanistan at the end of 2001. But over the past year, an alarming escalation in violence has raised concern on whether Pakistan is doing enough to contain the insurgents. (AP Photo/B.K.Bangash)

By STEPHEN GRAHAM, Associated Press Writer Mon Feb 19, 3:19 AM ET

ALWARA MANDI, Pakistan - Protected from frostbite by thick rubber boots, the Pakistani soldiers shivering on these remote mountains on the Afghan frontier know that when the snow melts their job will only get harder.

Under international pressure to stop a Taliban spring offensive that threatens Afghanistan , Pakistan is planning to fence small sections of this vast rugged frontier despite widespread skepticism that it will be effective.

"It‘s easy to cross," said Maj. Mohammed Fazl, a 35-year-old commander of a clutch of lookouts on a frigid pass through the forested mountains. "There is a lot of cover and if they are in a valley it‘s hard to pick them up. They know the ground very well, because this is where they are from."

Maj. Gen. Azhar Ali Shah said the fencing would help stop militants but could not guarantee it would seal the border. READ More and "pray the news"