Karlachi Crossing reopened for trade

GARDEZ (Pajhwok): The Kharlachi crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan on the Durand Line reopened on Saturday for trade and commerce, an official said.

The crossing was closed five days ago after Pakistani fighter jets struck civilian homes in Paktika and Khost provinces.

Subsequently, Afghan and Pakistani security personnel engaged in a fight in the Dand-i-Patan district which led to the closure of the Kharlachi crossing.

Haseebullah Gardezi, head of the Paktia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, The Kharlachi crossing reopened on Saturday at 10:00 am for all types of movement. It was closed as a result of armed clashes between the security personnel of both sides last Monday.

“This gate was reopened on the mediation of traders on both sides and trucks loaded with goods were allowed to move,” he said.

But a government source in Dand-i-Patan district told Pajhwok Afghan News that the crossing was reopened only for trade and commerce, adding that common people are not allowed to move.

Iqbal Walli, assistant head of the Paktia Traders Union, said businessmen suffered millions afs losses in the past few days due to the closure of the Kharlachi crossing.

He sent a video clip to Pajhwok Afghan News in which rotten vegetables such as tomatoes, okra, eggplants and others could be seen.

He said there is no facility in Dand-i-Patan district where customized goods could be stored.

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