With some restrictions, Pakistan re-opens Spinboldak-Chaman crossing

KANDAHAR (Pajhwok): Pakistan has re-opened the Spinboldak-Chaman crossing for business and pedestrians with some restrictions, but Afghan officials say the decision to open the crossing is unilaterally taken by Pakistani authorities.

Businessmen say after the capture of Spinboldak district by the Taliban, they paid taxes to both the Taliban and Afghan government.

The crossing was closed by Pakistan 12 days back when the Taliban took over the control of the crossing and Spinboldak district.

Pakistan often opened the crossing for travelers during this period but it remained closed for trade and business activities.

Jalat Khan Achakzai, head of the Chaman Chambers of Commerce and Industry, said after talks with Pakistani officials, it was decided that the crossing shall be re-opened with some restrictions.

“The Chaman-Spinboldak crossing will remain open for pedestrians from 8:00am to 11:00am and for business activities from 12:00pm to 5:00pm.”

Meanwhile, Kandahar Customs Department Director SibghatullahEhsas said Pakistan unilaterally decided to re-open the crossing and did not inform the Afghan government.

He said after reopening the crossing, some steps had been taken to stop evading custom duties.

For this purpose mobile teams had been operationalized in the Daman and Arghistan districts to stop traders from evading taxes.

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