Af-Pak trade via Chaman suspended after fire exchange

PESHAWAR (Pajhwok): Afghanistan-Pakistan trade via the Chaman crossing has been suspended in the wake of a clash between security forces of the two countries.

The Friendship Gate has been closed for an indefinite period after Sunday’s exchange of gunfire. At least one Pakistani soldier was killed, officials say.

The closure of crossing after the incident led to the suspension of trade, including the Afghan transit trade, a Pakistani newspaper reported.

Chaman Deputy Commissioner Abdul Hameed Zehri confirmed to Dawn the crossing closure for an indefinite period of time.

At a flagship meeting, Pakistani authorities demanded the handover of the armed man who fired at the Pakistani security personnel.

However, the newspaper said, negotiations between the two sides remained inconclusive as Afghan officials refused to hand over the gunman.

Many trucks laden with Afghan transit trade goods and containers with import and export items were stranded on both sides, the daily added.

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