Spin Boldak-Chaman road closed after Afghan, Pak forces clash

KANDAHAR (Pajhwok): The Spin Boldak-Chaman crossing was closed on Sunday after Afghan and Pakistani forces exchanged fire, an official in southern Kandahar province said.

The clash that left at least two Pakistani guards injured happened shortly after 12pm.

Kandahar governor’s spokesman, Haji Zaid, told Pajhwok Afghan News that Afghan and Pakistani border guards entered a verbal clash over goods’ smugglers and then traded fire, but there were no casualties.

He added that after the incident, the Friendship Gate was closed to people and businesses. He did not provide further details.

However, another reliable source in Spin Boldak town, who declined to be identified, told Pajhwok the clash between the two sides broke out after the Pakistani soldiers beat the goods’ smugglers and the Afghan security forces intervened.

The goods smugglers are locally called ‘Lagharyan’ who carry commercial goods across the Durand Line without tax. These individuals include children, young people, women, elderly men and disabled persons.

The source said two Pakistani guards were injured in the incident, after which the Spin Boldak-Chaman road was closed, leaving thousands of people and vehicles loaded with commercial goods stranded on both sides.

In the past, similar clashes had taken place along the Durand Line and the Spin Boldak-Chaman road had been closed for weeks and months.

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