Trade, pedestrians movement restored at Chaman border
Sardar Muhammad Khondai, Syed Ali Shah :
Trade activities and pedestrians movement were completely restored at the Pak-Afghan border Chaman. Thousands of pedestrians crossed the Friendship Gate located at the border.
“As usual, pedestrians movement remained continued on Tuesday”, the Deputy Commissioner Chaman, Captain (R) Jumadad Khan Mandokhail told Quetta Voice. Pakistani authorities allowed the Afghan nationals having Tazkeera (An Afghan nationality card) to enter into Pakistan.
Pakistan had tightened security in and around the Afghan border in the aftermath of unfolding events in the impoverished country. “I crossed the border without any problem”, Niamatullah, an Afghan national said. “I am going to Quetta for the treatment of my daughter”, he mentioned.
Patients from volatile Southern Afghanistan come to Quetta for treatment
Most of the people in Afghanistan’s volatile SouthWestern belt have been coming to Quetta, Pakistan’s Southwestern city for medical treatment for decades.
The border remained open from 8 am to 4 pm in the evening. The border remained closed between the two countries for two weeks after the Taliban took control of the bordering areas. Taliban were demanding relief for the Afghan nationals entering Pakistan.
Pakistan has also established four health centers to conduct COVID19 tests of Afghan nationals. “We quarantine Afghan nationals tested positive for COVID19”, Abdul Qadir Khoso, the District Health Officer (DHO) Chaman said. He said health professionals vaccinate all Pakistanis coming from Afghanistan.
“We are trying to ensure implementation of COVID19 SOPs”, Mr. Khoso stated.
Taliban claimed to have reduced taxes
Taliban have also imposed taxes on good trucks entering from Pakistan. “We have reduced all taxes to facilitate the traders”, Maulvi Abdul Jabbar, a Taliban commander dealing with customs issues at Pak-Afghan border Chaman told Quetta Voice via telephone.
The Maulavi stated that earlier the Afghan authorities were charging huge amounts on goods trucks. However, he said, “now Taliban have reduced taxes”.
Daily thousands of people cross the Pak-Afghan border Chaman at the Friendship Gate. Businessmen, tribesmen living on both sides of the border, and patients across the border.
Pakistan gives relief of visas to Afghan nationals
Pakistan has given relief of visas to Afghan nationals and tribesmen for entering Pakistan. “We just check their Tazkeeras and then allow them”, a senior administration official said. He requested anonymity.
Taliban have also assured the businessmen at Waish Mandi to open their shops and business centers after taking over the entire country.
