Tensions are running high at the Pak-Afghan Chaman border after the closureof Bab-e-Dosti.
Pakistan closed the border a day ago when an armed Afghan reportedlycrossed into Pakistan and opened fire on the troops, killing a soldier andwounding another two on Sunday.
After the incident Bab-e-Dosti was closed to trade and commuters, trappingcargo trucks and civilians on both sides of the border.
There has been a flag meeting between Pakistan and Afghan officials on theBab-e-Dosti, in which it has been said that the door will remain closeduntil the assailants are handed over.
According to Deputy Commissioner Hameed Zehri, thousands of Pakistani andAfghan citizens are stuck on both sides of the border. However, they havebeen allowed to cross the border from 7 pm to 9 pm.
The Deputy Commissioner said that Pakistan demands the Afghan authoritiesto hand over the attackers after arresting them.
Hameed Zahri said that negotiations between the two countries are going onat the level of Kabul and Islamabad on this matter. Holding another flagmeeting is possible at any time, he added.
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The crossing is a major transit point for truckers moving fruit exportsfrom around the southern Afghan city of Kandahar and its closure comes at ahigh cost for farmers unable to get their crops to market.
The attack was followed by hours-long firing between the two border troops,prompting the closure of the key trade border between the neighbors.
Zehri said the border will remain closed until the handing over of thesuspected attacker.
He also informed Pakistanis stranded in Chaman Afghanistan that due toheavy rush on the Afghan side and the absence of lighting on the border,the pedestrian has been stopped at the check post. They will be allowed toenter Pakistan from tomorrow morning from 7:30 am to 10:30 am.
