KANDAHAR CITY (SW) – Pakistan on Monday reopened a key crossing with neighboring Afghanistan for trade and pedestrian movement after a week-long closure, officials said.
The southwestern Chaman – Spinboldak crossing at the Durand Line – one of the two main crossings between the two neighbors – was sealed on Nov. 13 following the killing of a Pakistani border troop by an armed Afghan.
The decision to reopen the border, also known as Friendship Gate, was taken after a series of “flag meetings” between the officials of the two border forces, Chaman Deputy Commissioner Abdul Hameed Zehri told reporters. The Afghan side, according to him, has assured that they would hand over the suspect to Pakistani authorities, reported Anadolu Agency.
Kandahar governor’s spokesman Haji Zaid told Salam Watandar that after continuous meetings between the Afghan and Pakistani delegations, an agreement has been reached to reopen the crossing. Prior to this, thousands of people were stranded on both sides, including women, children and the sick.
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