Passengers stranded as Pakistan closes Torkham gate

JALALABAD (Pajhwok): Pakistan on Wednesday closed the Tokham crossing in eastern Nangarhar province citing security issues.

Attaullah Khogyani, the governor’s spokesman, told Pajhwok Afghan News the government of Pakistan had closed the Torkham gate for transit trade vehicles and passengers.

But the Najibullah Safi, the Torkham commissar, told Pajhwok two rockets landed on the other side of the Torkham port this morning.

Pakistan said a number of people were injured by the rockets, Safi, adding the border crossing would remain closed until an investigation into the incidents was completed.

Rahmat Gul Ziarmal, the Torkham mayor, said the Pakistan forces wanted to establish a check-post in the area, but they were not allowed by the Afghan side..

He claimed Pakistan closed the gate in order to receive permission for setting up the checkpoint. Ziarmal said many people were stranded on both sides.

sa/mud