Afghanistan, Pakistan agree to resolve issues through talks

KANDAHAR CITY (Pajhwok): Afghan and Pakistan-related issues through dialogue in a spirit of mutual cooperation.

The agreement came during Iftar dinner hosted by the Afghan Border Police (ABP) in zero-point area. Military officers from the two countries and tribal elders participated in the meeting.

Col. Mohammad Sharif Ghazi, border police commander in Spin Boldak, told Pajhwok Afghan News the dinner came days after a similar party was arranged for Afghans by Pakistani forces.

He said Afghanistan wanted to discuss all issues related to the Durand Line because people of the same origin and ethnicity lived on both sides and they suffered during firefights.

He said forces on both sides would observe a ceasefire until Islamabad and Kabul decided a dispute over villages in the area. Pakistani forces were asked to avoid harassing travellers and closing the border gate.

District chief Haji Syed Ali asked Pakistani authorities to revoke the Sunday holiday so that goods of Afghan businessmen entered the country without any delay.

The border crossing in Kandahar was closed twice by Islamabad in recent months after Afghan and Pakistani forces exchanged gunfire.

nh/mud