Chaman border reopened

CHAMAN: Pakistan reopened its border crossing with Afghanistan for routine traffic on Thursday after Afghanistan submitted a written apology for the August 18 incident where the national flag was desecrated by Afghan citizens.

The citizens of Pakistan and Afghanistan are being allowed to cross the border after checking the travel documents. The trade trucks also entered both countries after 15 days.Pakistan had closed the border when a group of Afghans had chanted anti-Pakistan slogans and attacked the Friendship Gate on August 18 .

Officials from both sides held five meetings to discuss the issue until negotiations finally succeeded.Trade activities between the two countries, which had come to a standstill following the closure of the border, resumed on Thursday and security on both sides remains strict.

As soon as Bab-e-Dosti was re-opened on Thursday, scores of people moved out of Afghanistan to enter Pakistan for trade activities while a convoy of trucks was seen moving as well.

Around four flag meetings were convened by troops of the two sides but ended without any progress. However, during the last meeting of the series, which was held on Wednesday, Colonel Muhammad Ali of Afghan forces formally forwarded an apology letter to Colonel Changez of Pakistan.

It is to be noted here that at least 20,000 to 25,000 persons move across the border every day at the Chaman Gate.Most of these persons are residents of Chaman who enter Afghanistan during the day for business purposes in Wesh city and return to Pakistan by evening.