Chaman Border Partially Reopens Amid Pakistan-Afghanistan Ceasefire

Karachi, Oct 21 (PTI) The Chaman border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan has begun to partially reopen following a ceasefire agreement between the two nations. This development comes after several days of violent clashes that resulted in casualties on both sides.

As the border situation stabilizes, Afghan families have started crossing into Afghanistan from the southwestern Balochistan province since Monday. Additionally, multiple containers destined for Afghanistan have been allowed to proceed.

The Chaman border was closed at the onset of the conflict between the two countries, causing congestion with nearly 400 containers filled with goods from the Karachi port stranded at the border. A similar scenario occurred at the Spin Boldak border in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where incoming containers into Pakistan were stuck.

President of the Chaman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Nafees Jan Achakzai, confirmed that the border's partial reopening followed a ceasefire agreement reached in Doha. This has enabled around 400 containers from Karachi to cross into Afghanistan, along with approximately 550 families totaling around 3,400 individuals.

The families, originally from Karachi, were repatriated as they lacked proper documentation for their stay. This is part of the Pakistani government’s recent repatriation initiative aimed at addressing security and economic concerns, prompting the return of thousands of Afghans to their homeland.

Achakzai highlighted ongoing challenges, noting that hundreds of trucks laden with goods remain stranded at the Karachi port and near the border areas, carrying essentials such as fresh fruits and vegetables. This prolonged closure has led to significant financial losses for traders.

He emphasized the necessity for both countries to fully restore trade activities at the Chaman border to prevent further economic damage.

A government official, Ataullah Bugti, stated that the district administration has ensured the provision of basic facilities for Afghan families needing to return to Afghanistan.

(Only the headline of this report may have been reworked by Editorji; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)