Chaman border partially reopened after Doha peace accord

CHAMAN: In a significant development following the Pak-Afghan peace accord signed in Doha, the Pak-Afghan border at Chaman has been partially reopened.

According to local sources, empty vehicles and trucks engaged in Afghan transit trade have been allowed to enter Pakistan from Afghanistan. However, pedestrian movement across the border remains suspended.

Entry has been permitted only for Afghan drivers holding valid passports and visas. A large number of vehicles are reportedly crossing into Pakistan at Chaman, while Afghan refugees being repatriated from Pakistan have also been allowed to cross the border.

President of Chaman Traders Association, Muhammad Sadiq, told media that the permission is temporary. The Spin Boldak border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been reopened.

Media reports indicate that the border has been reopened solely for trade activities. Sources added that pedestrian crossings remain restricted due to certain sensitive security concerns.

Earlier, Pakistan had closed the Torkham and Chaman crossings on October 12 after the Afghan Taliban, along with affiliated militants, attacked multiple Pakistani border posts.

Officials from both sides have now agreed to reopen the border if no new disputes arise, the sources confirmed.

Background of the Clashes:

The border clashes began on the night between October 11 and 12 when Afghan Taliban militants launched unprovoked attacks on Pakistani forces. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), more than 200 militants were killed, while 23 Pakistani soldiers embraced martyrdom while defending the border.