Bulletins 1200 11th May 2017

QUETTA: The border crossing movement through Bab-e-Dosti – Friendship gate – at Chaman border remained suspended for the seventh consecutive day a flag meeting between Pakistan and Afghan officials is due today, ARY News reported.

In the aftermath of Afghan forces’ aggression, the border closure entered into eight day resulting in loss of economical activities at both sides of the border.

The survey teams of Pakistan and Afghanistan – headed by military officials of the two countries – have completed geological survey of Killi Luqman and Killi Jahangir, two disputed villages, and sent reports to their respective governments.

It is pertinent to mention that in a flag meeting on May 7 between officials of two countries, it was resolved that a geological survey team would be constituted to conduct survey in the light of Google survey maps and compile a report regarding the demarcation of borderline between the two countries.

An official yesterday confirmed that Islamabad and Kabul will take the final decision in a flag meeting after reviewing the survey reports, which is expected to be held today. The report has been dispatched to both governments.

Moreover, the decision about reopening of Chaman border will also be taken after resolving the demarcation issue of the two villages.

Chaman border crossing has been closed since May 5 when Afghan forces resorted to unprovoked firing and shelling at civilian population, which claimed 11 lives while injured over 40, with thousands of people stranded on both sides of the border.

The head counting process in two affected villages – Killi Luqman and Killi Jahangir – has completely been halted since then. However, after the continuous efforts to restore peace, normal life has returned to the border town as all markets, schools, and other government institutions opened after being closed in fear of possible gun battle between security forces of the two countries.