Pakistan’s PM Orders Immediate Re-opening of Crossing Borders

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday ordered to reopen the Pakistan-Afghanistan crossing-points with immediate effect.

According to Pakistani media the decision was taken by the Pakistan’s PM as a goodwill gesture as the two countries enjoy “religious, cultural and historical ties”.

Hazrat Omar Zakhilwal, Afghanistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, also confirmed that Pakistan PM’s adviser on foreign affairs, Sartaj Aziz has promised to “fully and permanently” re-open the crossing border on Monday based on the agreement made in London.

Last Wednesday, London hosted a high-level meeting between Afghanistan and Pakistan to resolve the tense border dispute between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Following a series of terrorist attacks, Pakistan closed the Torkham and Chaman crossing-borders with Afghanistan for an indefinite period on February 17 last month.

The border crossing was sealed for all kinds of trade and commercial activities which left millions of dollars of losses to the people and trader of both sides.

The government of Afghanistan lodged a complaint against Pakistan with the World Trade Organization for the closure of the gates.

Currently, thousands of trucks queue behind the crossing borders which are expected to travel to their destinations after re-opening of Torkham gate today.

By: Hesamuddin Hesam