Pakistan reopened its border crossing with Afghanistan for routine traffic today (Thursday), after Afghanistan tendered a written apology.
The border was closed since August 18 after a bunch of Afghan protesters violently attacked the gate, pelted stones and even burnt Pakistan’s flag for which the Afghan government had to apologise in written on Wednesday.
Media reports said that the 15th flagship meeting between the Pakistani authorities and Afghan authorities was held on Wednesday. The Pakistani side was led by Lt-Col Muhammad Changaiz, while the Afghan contingent was headed by Col Muhammad Ali.
To-and-fro movement of thousands of locals was affected, disrupting business activities after Pakistan’s border officials and key decision-makers decided to shut the doors of the border.
The Chaman was opened after the Afghans officials tendered a formal apology letter, condemning the incident.
The written apology letter was presented yesterday during a flag meeting between Afghanistan and Pakistan border officials.
In the letter, Afghanistan’s Colonel of Muhammad Ali said the August 18 incident happened because of a misunderstanding and condemned it in the strongest words.
Head of the Pakistan’s security forces delegation, Colonel Muhammad Changez Khan, while accepting the Afghan government’s apology, asked Afghanistan to ensure that such incidents do not appear in the future.
Several meetings had held between the two neighbouring countries but failed to give any results.
However, after days of deliberations, the Afghan officials finally admitted that there was actually no explanation for the senseless protest at the Chaman border.
The two sides also agreed to improve cooperation and coordination between border security officials in a bid to avoid untoward incidents in the future.
