Pakistan reopens Afghan border crossings

In a recent statement Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has announced his government’s decision to reopen its border crossings with Afghanistan as a gift and goodwill gesture on the occasion of Norouz as the two neighboring nations remain to enjoy religious, cultural and historical relations.

Nawaz Sharif said that durable peace in Afghanistan is imperative for peace and security in Pakistan.

Pakistan will continue to collaborate with Afghanistan to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the two countries, he said.

Islamabad shut Torkham and Chaman border crossings after a deadly suicide attack at the tomb of Sufi saint Lal Shahbaz Qalandar on February 16.

The attack that left over 80 people dead was claimed by Jumaatul Ahrar, an offshoot of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan terrorist group which is based in Afghanistan.

Pakistani authorities on March 7th temporarily reopened border with Afghanistan for two days to allow movement of valid visa-holding nationals amidst tensions however, trade activities would remain suspended.

On March 15 Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and Afghan National Security Adviser Hanif Atmar met in London to break the months-old stalemate and agreed on a ‘mechanism’ to address each other’s concerns over militant groups.

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