Pakistan opens borders with Afghanistan for trade activities

ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office of Pakistan on Wednesday said that Pakistan has decided to open its border with Afghanistan for allowing cargo trucks and containers to cross-over into Afghanistan from April 10.

According to a statement issued by Foreign Office, the decision to open the borders with Afghanistan, which were closed for every kind of movement due to COVID-19 outbreak, has been taken on the special request made by the Afghanistan government.

The trade activities will be allowed for thrice a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) from April 10 onward. “This measure is being taken following consultations and coordination between both sides as per agreed upon protocols,” the statement read.

The statement further said as a neighbour and in view of fraternal relations, Pakistan remains in abiding solidarity with the people of Afghanistan, particularly at this time of global pandemic.

Earlier, on 6 April, Pakistan partially reopened its Torkham and Chaman borders with Afghanistan to only allow the exit of Afghan nationals stranded in the country due to the coronavirus outbreak.

According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, the border crossing will remain open for three days till 9 April for one-way pedestrian movement.

On 20 March, PM Khan had said in a tweet: “Despite the global pandemic of COVID-19, we remain committed to supporting our Afghan brothers and sisters. I have given instructions to open the Chaman-Spinboldak border and let trucks crossover into Afghanistan. In this time of crisis, we remain steadfast with Afghanistan.”