PM has issued orders to reopen Pak-Afghan border

Prime minister has issued orders to reopen Pak-Afghan border

The relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been going through a difficult phase. After the closure of border between the two countries, millions suffered on both sides of the border. Not to forget about the irreparable jolt caused to trade and economy. The prime minister of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif, understanding the drastic consequences of sealing the border has now announced to reopen it to boost Cargo to Pakistan.

The border was sealed as a corrective action taken against the terrorists invading Pakistan from across the border. This uncertain condition continued for about 32 days. PM’s good will gesture activities including trade will now get restored.

PM’s address

Talking to media, the PM said that the recent incidents of terrorism had links to anti-Pakistan elements in Afghanistan. He further said that closing the gates to other countries is not the solution to the problem and expressed hope that Afghan government will take steps to eradicate the evil working together with Pakistan cargo. The PM said that Pakistan has suffered a lot due to the menace of terrorism and it is need of the hour that afghan government take active steps against the reasons that are damaging the relations between the two countries.

Pakistan had sealed its border with the neighboring country after the heartbreaking incident of terrorism at the shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in Sehwan city of Sindh last month that killed 80 innocent people and left many injured. This suicide bombing incident was a major reason behind the decision of closing the border. It was a fifth bombing incident followed by four other such incidents in less than a week. The wave of terror had struck very hard. So many peopled got killed. The orders were immediately implemented and initially the closure for ‘indefinite period’ was announced.

A relief for common people

Earlier this month, Pakistan authorities temporarily opened the border for the movement of people stranded in difficult condition. The border was opened at Torkham and Chaman making some exceptions even during the strict orders.

Now with the reopening, people and vehicles stuck at both sides have started to freely move across the line at Torkham and Chaman. Everyone including passengers, transporters and traders welcomed this decision take by the government. When talking to people, a trader said that closing the border was not a right decision. It made the innocents suffer. A lot of materials including fruits, vegetables that are transported across the border rotted in the containers for days causing loss to trade and economy of both sides.

Some restrictive areas

The border is still closed at some points to disallow easy diffusion from the areas of Kurram Agency’s Borki, Kharlachi, Tiri Mingal, and Shaheedano Dand. The political administration of these regions is still waiting for some written orders from the government to commence the opening of border.

Authorities have not opened the border in North Waziristan’s Ghulam Khan Area and South Waziristan’s Angor Adda. Chances are bright that these areas will also get opened soon.