Chaman-Boldak crossing reopens for trucks with edibles

KANDAHAR (Pajhwok): Officials in southern Kandahar province say the Chaman-Spin Boldak crossing point has been reopened after two weeks of closure, but only for trucks bringing in imports.

The border crossing was shut four days ago for a fortnight as a precaution to contain the COVID-19 spread. The Durand Line is also shut at Torkham.

Mohammad Sharif Gharzai, Kandahar border police commissar, told Pajhwok Afghan News that the Chaman-Spin Boldak crossing point reopened for commercial vehicles and would remain shut for people’s movement.

He said more than 50 trucks carrying vegetables and fruits had so far arrived in Kandahar and the process was ongoing.

According to Gharzai, hundreds of trucks loaded with non-food items have been stranded on both sides and they will be allowed after the food-item vehicles are cleared.

Haji Sayed Mohammad, a trader in Kandahar, expressed happiness over the reopening of Chaman-Spin Boldak crossing point and said the prices of essential items would reduce with the arrival of goods.

He urged the Afghan and Pakistani officials not to the close the crossing point because its closure inflicted financial losses on traders.

Thousands of Afghans visiting Pakistan for medical treatment and meeting relatives have been stranded in both countries.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday ordered the reopening of the Chaman crossing point with Afghanistan.

“Despite the global pandemic of COVID 19, we remain committed to supporting our Afghan brothers and sisters,” the prime minister had tweeted.

He issued instructions to the authorities concerned to reopen the Chaman-Spin Boldak border and let trucks cross over into Afghanistan.

sa/ma

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