Afghanistan yesterday banned all Pakistani newspapers from entering the country. The move is an attempt to block the Taliban from influencing public opinion through the press. The order, issued by the Afghan Ministry of Interior, adds to the mounting tension between the neighboring countries. In a statement, the ministry said the newspapers were a conduit for Taliban propaganda. It focuses specifically on blocking entry of the papers at Torkham, a busy border crossing, and directed border police to gather up Pakistani newspapers in the three eastern provinces of Nangarhar, Kunar and Nuristan.