Pakistan re-opens Chaman border crossing on 'humanitarian grounds'

ISPR says gate has been opened for Ramazan at request of Afghan authorities

Correspondent May 27, 2017

A Pakistani soldier keeps guard at the Friendship Gate, crossing point at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border town of Chaman, Pakistan, March 7, 2017. PHOTO: REUTERS

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan, on Saturday, opened the Friendship (FS) gate in Chaman on humanitarian grounds for Ramazan, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

The gate was opened at the request of the Afghan authorities. "Since the Chaman incident, Pakistan has its area under effective control having pushed back Afghan Border police troops."

Chaman border attack: 50 Afghan soldiers killed, 100 injured in retaliatory fire, says IG FC

"It has been agreed upon by Pakistan authorities that cease fire shall continue to be maintained and no border violation will be acceptable," the army's media wing added. It was further stated that Pakistani troops will maintain their positions along the International Border in Killi Luqman and Killi Jahangir, on Pakistan's side of the border.

Earlier this month, Inspector General Frontier Corps (FC) Major General Nadeem Ahmed said Afghan forces targeted civilian population while Pakistan targeted their check-posts, inflicting heavy casualties.

Tense calm prevails at Chaman border after deadly standoff

At least 10 people including an FC personnel and women, children were killed and 47 others injured when Afghan forces targeted troops guarding a census team in Chaman.

“Afghan forces entered Pakistan and occupied houses to take position and launch an attack,” the IG FC said during a news conference on Sunday afternoon.

“Pakistani forces, on the other hand, targeted Afghan security check-posts, killing 50 people and injuring 100,” Ahmed added. “The forces targeted civilians and used children as human shields.”

COMMENTS (2)

Fahre Afghan | 6 years ago | Reply The uncertainty of trading through these gates with Pakistan has already done the damage. So it would not have much impact on trade with Afghanistan. Trade blocks & economic black mail is as good a policy as using .........you know what I mean but Tribune would not print it.

Shah | 6 years ago | Reply WHY ??????? Let these Ungrateful, Unthankful & Shameless Afghans learn that we helped them most when they were being raped by Soviets; Now, they are being raped by Hindus--tanis and Americans, and they are gungho & going gaga over it; as they get free booze & free women when they go to Hindus--tan; Stop this border openings in name of humanitarian gestures; These MF Afghans are animals, who look like humans;

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