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Pakistan-Afghan border reopens days after deadly clash

People waiting to cross the border at Chaman, on the Pakistan side of the frontier with Afghanistan
People waiting to cross the border at Chaman, on the Pakistan side of the frontier with Afghanistan - Copyright AFP Abdul BASIT
People waiting to cross the border at Chaman, on the Pakistan side of the frontier with Afghanistan - Copyright AFP Abdul BASIT

A key border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan has reopened, officials said Sunday, days after fighting between security forces left at least three dead.

Since the Taliban returned to power last year border tensions between the neighbours have risen, with Pakistan alleging militant groups were planning attacks from Afghan soil.

The Taliban deny harbouring Pakistani militants, but are also infuriated by a fence Islamabad is erecting along their 2,700-kilometre (1,600-mile) border, drawn up in colonial times and known as the Durand Line.

“The border has reopened for all sort of activities,” a spokesman for Pakistan’s paramilitary border force told AFP.

A security source said it came after “successful talks” between Pakistani officials and the governor of Afghanistan’s Kandahar province.

Mahmood Azaam, spokesman for the governor, confirmed it had reopened.

Each side blamed the other for Thursday’s clashes at the Chaman-Spin Boldak crossing, which locals said involved light and heavy weapons.

Thousands usually cross every day, including traders, Afghans seeking medical treatment in Pakistan, and people visiting relatives.

AFP
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With 2,400 staff representing 100 different nationalities, AFP covers the world as a leading global news agency. AFP provides fast, comprehensive and verified coverage of the issues affecting our daily lives.

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