Pakistan-Afghanistan border closed for ‘indefinite period’

KARACHI, Pakistan (AA) – Tensions are running high between Pakistani and Afghan border forces after Islamabad shut its southwestern border with Afghanistan for cross-border movement for an “indefinite period,” according to official sources.

The Chaman border – also known as ‘Friendship Gate’ – which connects Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province to Afghanistan’s southern Kandahar province, was closed after an armed Afghan reportedly crossed into Pakistan’s border and opened fire on the security troops, killing a soldier and injuring another two on Sunday, Deputy Commissioner Chaman, Abdul Hameed Zehri, told reporters.

The attack was followed by hours-long firing between Pakistani and Afghan border troops, prompting the closure of the key trade border.

Zehri said the border will remain closed until the suspected attacker is handed over to Pakistan for investigation and criminal proceedings.

“The Afghan officials have informed us that a search operation is underway to nab the attacker, who is still at large,” the official added.

Meanwhile, hundreds of trucks loaded with trade goods and other vehicles are lined on both sides of the border, awaiting the re-opening of the crossing.

Thousands of citizens, mainly Afghans, who cross into Pakistan’s bordering areas for medical and labor purposes, are also stuck.

Clashes between the two border troops, mainly at the Chaman border, have long been taking place, and there is no break even after the re-capture of Afghanistan by the Taliban in August last year.

Pakistan and landlocked Afghanistan share 18 crossing points, with the busiest ones being the northwestern Torkham and Chaman border posts.

The two neighbors share a porous border of 2,670 kilometers. They also share deep ethnic and religious ties.