Tensions run high at Pakistan Afghanistan Chaman border
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Tensions are running high at the Pak-Afghan Chaman border after the closure of Bab-e-Dosti.
Pakistan closed the border a day ago when an armed Afghan reportedly crossed into Pakistan and opened fire on the troops, killing a soldier and wounding another two on Sunday.
After the incident Bab-e-Dosti was closed to trade and commuters, trapping cargo trucks and civilians on both sides of the border.
There has been a flag meeting between Pakistan and Afghan officials on the Bab-e-Dosti, in which it has been said that the door will remain closed until the assailants are handed over.
According to Deputy Commissioner Hameed Zehri, thousands of Pakistani and Afghan citizens are stuck on both sides of the border. However, they have been allowed to cross the border from 7 pm to 9 pm.
The Deputy Commissioner said that Pakistan demands the Afghan authorities to hand over the attackers after arresting them.
Hameed Zahri said that negotiations between the two countries are going on at the level of Kabul and Islamabad on this matter. Holding another flag meeting is possible at any time, he added.
The crossing is a major transit point for truckers moving fruit exports from around the southern Afghan city of Kandahar and its closure comes at a high 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 the suspected attacker.
He also informed Pakistanis stranded in Chaman Afghanistan that due to heavy 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 to enter Pakistan from tomorrow morning from 7:30 am to 10:30 am.
