Pak, Afghan border reopens after clash

NOSHKI—Situation has grown tense after the exchange of fire between Afghan army and Frontier corps at Pak- Afghan border near Noshki. According to the details two vehicles of Afghan army entered in Kalli Samad after crossing Pak-Afghan border near Noshki Saturday and started looting the local inhabitants.
Officials of the frontier corps warned them but Afghan troops opened fire on the post of frontier corps. Officials of the frontier corps also fired in return which turned the situation tense. It is worth while mentioning that troops of Afghan army had crossed the border illegally a month earlier and arrested a local resident of the area. Border authorities had strongly protested over that incident.
Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to establish a hotline between border officials. The agreement came a day after clashes between the border guards of two countries that has force Pakistan to close the gates for all incoming people.
Afghans had kidnapped a FC staffer which had sparked the problem, an official said. Following the deal, thousands of people trapped in Afghan territory were allowed to enter in Pakistan. The border officials of two sides held third round of talks in Spin Boldak, District Nazim Adam Khan Achakzai told reporters. Pakistani officials signed a written agreement with Afghans under which the two sides will contact on the hotline in case of any incident –such as kidnapping of a security official.
The Pak-Afghan border was completely sealed and traffic was closed after hostage taking of a security official. District government Chaman has allowed thousands including women, children, elderly people and patients to enter in Pakistan by foot as a goodwill gesture. These people were staying at the border since last two nights in harsh winter. Traffic of heavy vehicles and trucks will be allowed if the peaceful conditions persist in the area, said Nazim.—Online