Spinboldak-Chaman crossing reopened for pedestrians, transit trade

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Spinboldak-Chaman crossing reopened on Friday for transit trade and pedestrians after months of closure, an official said.

Pakistan closed the crossing after the outbreak of coronavirus and delayed the closure to force the implementation of new travel rules and regulations but people residing on both sides of the crossing rejected Pakistan’s new rules.

According to officials the Spinboldak-Chaman crossing has been reopened for transit trade and travelers on the bases of past rules and regulations and people could travel on the bases of Tazkera and Pakistan Identity Card.

Governor Spokesperson Baheer Ahmadi said diplomatic efforts were on from the past few days to open Spinboldak-Chaman crossing and these efforts yield result.

He said the crossing was unilaterally closed and Pakistan wanted to impose new rules but commissars from both sides held a joint meeting yesterday and agreed to open the crossing for transit and people without any further delay.

Border Commissar Col. Mohammad Sharif Ghazai said the crossing was reopened at around 7:00am for transit trade and people.

Police Chief Gen. Tadin Khan said that the Spinboldak-Chaman crossing was reopened in line with the wishes and aspirations of the people of both sides adding that people resolve showed that they could not be separated.

Tadin Khan hailed efforts of Foreign Minister Hanif Atmar for the permanent reopening of the crossing.

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