Sharif orders immediate reopening of crossing points

PESHAWAR (Pajhwok): Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday ordered the immediate re-opening of the Pakistan border, which has been closed since Feb. 17.

The main border crossings at Torkham and Chaman were shut after a string of terrorist attacks in Pakistan killed more than 100 people. Pakistan blamed the assaults on Afghanistan-based militants.

In a statement from his office, the prime minister hoped the Afghan government would adequately address reasons for the border blockade, which has triggered howls of protest from Kabul and protests in Pakistan.

The elements involved in terrorist activities in Pakistan had a connection with anti-Pakistani elements in Afghanistan, Sharif said, acknowledging the closure was against the economic and public interests of both countries.

“it has been decided to re-open the border as a goodwill gesture with immediate effect, with the hope that the government of Afghanistan would take the necessary steps to address the reasons that led to the closure.”

Sharif remarked lasting peace in Afghanistan was vital to the security of Pakistan. The premier renewed his promise of continued cooperation with Afghanistan on elimination of terrorism.

Afghanistan ambassador to Pakistan Hazrat Umar Zakhelwal on his social media account said Sartaj Aziz, Pakistan foreign affairs advisor, assured him the crossing points would be formally reopened today.

He said after last week London talks it was agreed that the crossing points would be reopened soon.

The envoy also extended his greeting to the Afghan nation on the arrival of new solar year.

mud

Views: 0