Talks on Chaman border reopening fizzle out

PESHAWAR (Pajhwok): Security officials from Afghanistan and Pakistan have failed to reach any agreement on reopening the Chaman border crossing.

Pakistan closed the border after an attack on the Friendship Gate by Afghan nationals on Friday. Pakistan's national flag was also torched.

A flag meeting, requested by the Afghan government, on reopening the gate fizzled out on Saturday afternoon when the two sides adopted strict security measures.

As the gate stays shut, traffic the two neighbouring countries has been suspended. Supplies to NATO forces in Afghanistan have also come to a halt.

"Long queues of trucks and vehicles could be seen on both sides of the border," Attal Khan Achakzai, a resident of Chaman, told Dawn.

One paramilitary officer said: "The border has been closed for an indefinite period of time and we caot give any timeframe for the opening of the gate."

mud