KABUL — Afghanistan is banning all Pakistani newspapers from entering the country in an attempt to block the Taliban from influencing public opinion via the press.

Friday's order by the Ministry of Interior adds to the mounting tension between the neighboring countries.

The order specifically focuses on blocking entry of the papers at Torkham, a busy border crossing.

It also directed border police to gather up Pakistani newspapers in the three eastern provinces of Nangarhar, Kunar and Nuristan.

In a statement, the ministry called the content of the newspapers Taliban propaganda.