Pakistan keeps Kharlachi crossing closed for public movement

GARDEZ (Pajhwo): Pakistan kept the Kharlachi crossing on Duran Line between the two countries closed on pedestrians, including patients, from the past two weeks, an official said on Saturday.

Abdul Qadir Ahmadi, the governor’s spokesmen, told Pajhwok Afghan News the Kharlachi in the Dand-i-Patan district of southeastern Paktika province is unofficial crossing point between Afghanistan and Pakistan and people were allowed on the bases of a token.

He said from the past 15 days, Pakistan security forces have been demanding people, including patients, to show passport and stopped them to cross the gate on the bases of token.

He added: "The Kharlachi crossing was shut, Pakistani forces are asking patients and people for passports, but we tell them that this is an unofficial route and we do not allow anyone to cross the route on passport, so far there is no agreement."

On the other hand, people are also asking for the reopening of this route.

Mohammad Ajan, the resident of Dand-i-Patan district, told Pajhwok that the Kharlachi crossing was the shortest and easiest route for people and patients to travel to Pakistan.

He said Pakistani forces have closed this route since last few day and most people have been facing with several problems.

Mohammad-ul-ddin, another resident of Paktia, told Pajhwok Afghan News: “Pakistan does not allow people to travel on this route, they were asking for passport and every year they put new restriction of people this problem should be addressed.”

Some other residents made similar statements and asked the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) to address this problem.

Some other farmers also made similar statements and requested the Islamic Emirate to solve the said problem.

The Kharlachi crossing reopened for transit and bilateral trade with Pakistan four days ago.

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