110
Afghanistan has asked Pakistan to reopen the border and de-escalate tensions between the two neighbouring countries, read a press release issued on Wednesday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The release said Ambassador to Afghanistan Abrar Hussain and Afghan Deputy Commander-in-Chief General Murad Ali Murad met on Feb 27, and that Gen Murad had "requested [Islamabad] for de-escalation at the border and reopening of the crossing points between the two countries".
The crossings were shut two weeks ago following a string of bombings in Pakistan that the country's leadership blames on militants who sneak across the porous boundary to carry out attacks on its soil.
Gen Murad had also highlighted challenges "due to closure of the border and cross-border shelling from Pakistan", seeking the country's help to reduce tensions between the two states.
"He also promised to take action against terrorists on the basis of shared information," the statement added.
Ambassador Hussain, in his response, briefed Gen Murad about the circumstances motivating Pakistan's actions, underlining that "Afghan nationals were involved in recent attacks in the country".
He stressed that Afghanistan should take appropriate measures to deny "use of its soil by terrorists against Pakistan".
Hussain said that the border was closed to prevent the movement of terrorists from across the border.
He also stressed on the need for efforts by both countries to strengthen border management.
The ambassador, however, promised to transmit Afghanistan's requests to Islamabad.
Afghan envoy appeals on Pakistan to reopen border crossings
Afghanistan's envoy to Islamabad also appealed to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for reopening the border crossings between their two countries.
Ambassador Omar Zakhilwal made the appeal to the Pakistani premier during his speech on Wednesday at the 10-nation Economic Cooperation Organisation summit held in Islamabad.
Zakhilwal said the crossings' closure has caused hardship to the Afghan people.
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (110) Closed
Mar 01, 2017 06:16pm
Positive development...
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 06:19pm
The border closure is a serious matter and what ever we are doing on the fighting front let's not hurt our ordinary people.
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 06:20pm
Government of Pakistan should act upon the interests of Pakistani people by slamming shut all borders with Afghanistan, locking the gates and throwing away the keys.
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 06:24pm
Seemingly tit for tat when Afghan ambassador was summoned by GHQ instead of Foreign Office same has now happened to Pakistani ambassador in Kabul; what a wrong start we take in relations with neighbor, this is isolating us both regionally and internationally.
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 06:20pm
Border management should be maintain in order to clamp down on militants movement into Pakistan. Afghanistan must understand that without Pakistan's support they can't survive even if they over-maintain their friendship with india.
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 06:30pm
The tension between India and Pakistan is spilling over on Afghanistan border.
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 06:30pm
Keep it closed. Go talk to indians . .they are the ones you love
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 06:30pm
In the end Afghanistan will be only the loser.
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 06:33pm
Keep the crossings closed till we fence the border completely, then only allow people with valid travel documents & security clearance to move across the borders. It is no more an open thoroughfare.
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 06:34pm
Hence the need for Afghanistan to have different connectivity options with rest of the world.
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 06:39pm
A great wall should be built between Pakistan and Afghanistan and it too without any gates that's all we have learnt from during the last 35 years interaction with Afghans the advent of Afghanis only brought unrest and trouble for Pakistan and nothing
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 06:40pm
...but Afghan takes his orders from his indian masters.
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 06:47pm
No need to open border. Pakistan should remain firm in dealing with Afghanistan.
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 06:50pm
Please do not open the border.Why Afghan border can not be closed and movement can not be regulated. Unless Afghanistan agrees on some Border mechanism and all porous points are sealed and fenced it must remain closed. If someone claims people suffer due to closure of border none of country was paradise before closure. Recognize the border, fence the border, agree on joint border mechanism and security and then open points for regulated entry with proper documents and procedures. Till then keep it closed
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 06:51pm
Afghan government hates Pakistan but beg for its citizens to be able to cross the border for jobs, treatment, leisure, shopping. How pathetic
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 06:52pm
I believe there is nothing much to argue about, our response should be simply and straight forward that either take action against terrorists as per the list provided or else the border will remain closed with Afghan government responsible for the misery ordinary Afghans are facing
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 06:52pm
General summoning ambassador!!!
Well , was it because Afghanistan ambassador to was summoned to GHQ.?
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 06:50pm
when you set wrong precedence,this is what happens.
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 06:54pm
Keep it closed till they come to senses !
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 06:50pm
@AKSHAY .........Via Timbuktu or follow the footsteps of Nepal for getting connected to CPEC. If vulnerability to Afghan movements is obvious then they should not play in the hands of terror sponsoring neighbours. This time Pak Army means business.
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 06:55pm
Close the 52indian consulates established in Afghanistan to strengthen the TTP network and organize terrorist attacks in Pakistan.
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 06:55pm
This is the only language they understand , so the closure of borders does work and we need to keep the pressure on !
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 06:54pm
@Watanparasth Son, you guys have tried this "isolation" formula a lot recently, every time it has brought you embarrassment. Its time India let it go and focus on recovering from the demonetization fiasco.
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 06:58pm
Dont open the border
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 06:59pm
all we have is a BIG USELESS EGO without any thing to pride on !
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 07:01pm
At last they come to an adequate approach.
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 07:05pm
Its more of kabul regime request rather summoning of Pakistan ambassador.
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 07:11pm
Never open Afghan borders because this the the gateway of terrorism and we all know who is behind all this.
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 07:15pm
Pakistan must Keeps the borders closed till the Afghan authorities realize that their soil has been used against Pakistan, If Afghan authorities do not take action against these elements and to show Pakistan some meaning full action.
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 07:17pm
Afghanistan MUST be told boldly and without any diplomatic niceties to start dealing with Pakistan WITHOUT any interference from India. They need to realise that Pakistan wants genuine peace in Afghanistan based on shared interests while India is ONLY using Afghanistan to spread terror in Pakistan and to sabotage the CPEC. India has no other interest in Afghanistan.
If Afghans play ball and address Pakistan's interests then Pakistan should go all out and address any concerns Afghans have. Absent this and keep the border closed indefinitely and keep the pressure on. Enough is enough. We can't keep having our citizens getting blown up by Afghan nationals.
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 07:15pm
Keep your leverage. Keep the borders close until Afghanistan/India conspiracy to destabilize Pakistan is completely removed. Keep the borders closed.
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 07:18pm
Do not open the border.....
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 07:26pm
To tackle the criminals; Security should be further enhanced rather than closing the borders.
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 07:38pm
Afghanistan should get it's attitude fixed. Send all Afghans back, they are ruining the unique culture of KPK people.
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 07:46pm
I would keep the border closed shut and in the meantime also isolate and go after any terrorists or terror groups that may be involved in any way against Afghanistan. It is a win win scenario.
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 07:50pm
Well done Afghanistan. That's Tit for tat. But Pakistani government must keep the borders closed and send the Afghan refugees back to the other side of the border where they belong. Thanks
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 08:00pm
keep Pak-Afghan border close all the time,because our safety,Pakistan zindabad
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 08:02pm
1. With all due respect to Deputy Commander-in-Chief General Murad Ali Murad, Afghanistan is not entitled to an open border. For everything Afghanistan receives, Pakistan must get something in return.
2. The policy of altruism practiced by Pakistan in hosting 4 million refugees was repaid by antagonizing the Pakistani state and a hostility towards the Pakistani people. The policy of combat assistance against the Soviet invasion is never acknowledged.
3. I hope the future of Afghanistan-Pakistan foreign relations can be centered around the achievement of mutual interests.
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 08:06pm
Do not open border until Afghan handed over required terrorists.
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 08:07pm
This will happen unless those extremists sanctuaries are not destroyed completely
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 08:07pm
The stand off needs to be resolved amicably keeping in view each other's importance and public sufferings. Border escalation and continuing blame game will add to public miseries. Effective border management and bilateral cooperation will help lessen the tension.
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 08:11pm
As long as Afghanistan is playing in India's hands, the escalation will remain intact.
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 08:12pm
First eliminate terrorists on your soil, then Pakistan will gladly open the border, we did not close it for fun, we closed it because we have no choice, we cannot have terrorists from Afghanistan mixing with civilians and entering Pakistan and planting suicide bombs that kill hundreds, as what happened recently.
Until there is a single terrorist inside Afghanistan, this border will never ever be allowed to open.
Pakistan comes first, the responsibility of the leaders is to protect Pakistan, and Afghanistan is openly hostile to Pakistan so why should we open the border?
What benefit does Pakistan get? Afghanistan is also connected to Iran and other nations, why not go through them for connectivity? Pakistan is not responsible for Afghanistan, they can go through Iran. Sorry, too many terrorists in Afghanistan to risk opening the border.
So get used to it.
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 08:14pm
@Naveed Afghan terrorists are killing ordinary Pakistani's.... you want to risk your life? or the lives of innocent people in Pakistan?
Afghanistan knows who these people are, but they wont do anything.
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 08:20pm
Hey General. Get a grip of your country and don't allow terrorists into Pakistan. Then the border can be opened. How about that?
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 08:29pm
Dear Afghanistan.. Ask your friend India to open borders for you guys.. Pakistan has paid too much for your hospitality. Yet your loyalty is with our enemies. Unfaithful nation.
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 08:32pm
Is it normal that army officer meet Ambasodar?
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 08:40pm
Yes, ask India or Iran to open borders for you. Enough is enough. Pakistani borders are there to protect Pakistani nation from terrorists who are crossing the borders and entering into Pakistan. Our borders are not Khala ji's backyard garden. They will always remain closed.
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 08:48pm
Borders must be kept closed. We need will on both sides for border management. Movements only with passports and visas.
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 08:50pm
Partial opening on humanitarian grounds for those seeking medical treatment may be allowed with papers and visa.
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 08:55pm
Close boarders for an indefinite time. Teach them a lesson
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 09:00pm
India is at the heart of every problem that arises between PAk & afghanistan. Whenever Afghanistan send india out of its soil, tensions will defuse automatically.
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 09:04pm
Pakistan must not get intimidated! When Afghanistan doesn't address our concerns we keep our border fenced/closed. Afghanistan should appreciate our border management/closure as they keep claiming Pakistan based terrorists are attacking their territory/infrastructure. Border fencing/closure would eliminate terrorist attacks there! So whats the fuss; or there is something else to it!!
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 09:05pm
Please keep the border closed indefinitely until they agree to return 76 terrorist hiding
in Afghanistan soil and closed down 52 indian consulates which there only purpose is
to destabilize Pakistan and making terrorist attack inside Pakistan.
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 09:09pm
", seeking the country's help to reduce tensions between the two states. "He also promised to take action against terrorists on the basis of shared information," the statement added.
Now the Afghan's are coming around to our demands.
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 09:10pm
How Pakistan will reach to central Asian countrys by closing the border..
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 09:11pm
Afghanistan doing great job. Pakistan should stop interfering in its internal affair.
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 09:22pm
@asgher says "Close the 52 Indian consulates in Afghanistan"
Only 52, i thought it was 100.
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 09:23pm
Afghanistan seems will never learn , they let America and Russia fight on their soil for 3 decades . Yet again they are allowing pakistan and India to fight on their soil . Sense should prevail and they should fight the common enemy .
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 09:26pm
@shahid Pakistan has a complex. Remember, Ghani had opted for Pakistani help not Indian, in the beginning. Why did he change later?
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 09:28pm
@muhammad dar - if you close the border how can you push Taliban and use it as a lever to control Afghanistan?. Years of diplomacy will be wiped off to follow your suggestion.
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 09:39pm
Somebody getting a taste of it's own medicine!
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 09:48pm
@Ed we need to secure our the border, via fence wall, whatever. COMPLETLYYYYYYYY. that's the only to stop illegal crossing, and once that is stop we can hunt down those who are in our country
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 09:49pm
Pakistan should build a wall along the border with Afghanistan.China can finance the wall as part of CPEC.
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 09:53pm
@IAB unique?
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 10:01pm
Border must remain closed to ensure security of both countries.
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 10:02pm
How can a general summon an Ambassador? It is not within international norms.
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 10:13pm
This is how it should be done. Afghans will not learn until they are hit where it hurts them. They should know Pakistan has helped them during the Soviet occupation and other times. Given sanctuary to their leaders and their people yet they are so ungrateful. We should keep the borders closed 4 more weeks.
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 10:21pm
Closing border is best way to keep trouble away from Pakistan. Hard to believe that Pakistan is the country that provide bread & butter to millions of Afghans and how quickly they turn their backs to them.
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 10:23pm
@Khan dont know what it's really supposed to mean but dont care either. if peeps want to cross borders they have and will.
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 10:23pm
@AKSHAY
Through sea if they have one or through Iran, ChaBahar
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 10:25pm
@Naveed y not. Y Pak Ambassador has to go to Afg General
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 10:56pm
Afghanistan should be grateful Pakistan has not yet responded in the way America did when Afghanistan allowed their soil to be used by terrorists.
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 11:00pm
Look at your headline... The news put "Afghanistan urges Pakistan to reopen border, de-escalate tensions" Which will bring peace???
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 11:32pm
This border closing is more of publicity stunt then anything else. Terrorists do not cross border from border points but illegally. If they cross from border point, it is easy for checkpost guys to arrest them.
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 11:38pm
I am in favor of strict border management, because we have already gone through a lot because of our own mistakes.Its a serious isse should be resolved by parliment through table talk not by milatary
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 11:49pm
I have had it with Afghanistan for a life time. Afghanistan has nothing Pakistan needs. Zero. Just seal the border already!
Recommend
0
Mar 01, 2017 11:52pm
Afghan Government should expedite the construction of dams on River Kabul.
Recommend
0
Mar 02, 2017 12:17am
Good job, Afghanistan. This proves no one can boss over you.
Recommend
0
Mar 02, 2017 12:16am
@lafanga first borrow the boldness...
Recommend
0
Mar 02, 2017 12:50am
The decision to shut down the border was made after all the attacks in Pakistan, it was for the safety of the people of Pakistan, I do not feel bad if it is effecting the Afghan trade or whatever. People's lives are more important, if the Afghan's can help eliminate this menace, than more power to them. We need to consider the Iranian border too. This is a step in the right direction. We cannot have foreigners coming in here and blowing stuff up.
Recommend
0
Mar 02, 2017 01:10am
Afghans like to sound tough by summoning the Pak envoy. But in the end,it was more of a whimper actually: A request for border re-opening.
Recommend
0
Mar 02, 2017 01:19am
For the sake of innocent Pakistani lives, please keep the border shut for at least 10 years to infinity until the Afghans get their house in order. No more innocent blood for the sake of so-called trade. This so-called border is a front for Afghans to exploit Pakistani resources and cause destruction.
Recommend
0
Mar 02, 2017 03:27am
@Watanparasth Lets have a bit more self confidence than always blaming ourselves for the behavior of others....
Recommend
0
Mar 02, 2017 03:29am
Afghans do not seem to be smart....look what they have done to their country and continue to make wrong choices....
Recommend
0
Mar 02, 2017 03:26am
Afghanistan is a 5th world country lets treat it accordingly, we are giving too much importance to it....
Recommend
0
Mar 02, 2017 03:38am
I would not open the borders till Afghanistan shows significant progress in eliminating these enemies of Pakistan and take responsibility.
Recommend
0
Mar 02, 2017 04:00am
So finally Afghani realises what they are worth!
Recommend
0
Mar 02, 2017 04:25am
Nothing will improve...keep the border closed until Afghan starts t show positive action. Its because of them that Pakistan is in the state that it is in today. Plus they side with India so let India help them out by flying round Pakistan over Iran and back into Afghanistan to help them....come on use your head for a change.
Recommend
0
Mar 02, 2017 04:32am
@Zak : Even Afghans are demanding..
Recommend
0
Mar 02, 2017 05:12am
" Afghanistan's envoy to Islamabad also appealed to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for reopening the border crossings between their two countries."
Yeah that's right you should know your place and appeal/request if you want anything from us.
Recommend
0
Mar 02, 2017 05:15am
Every country should work to stop exporting terrorism to their neighbouring countries. It is against the united nation's resolution.
Recommend
0
Mar 02, 2017 05:36am
I live in UK, recent afghan asylum seekers shocked me with their hatred towards Pakistan even though they spent many years living in KPK.
I firmly believe Afghans present a clear and present danger to Pakistan as we have seen from recent terror attacks. Sadly India is providing financial and material help to terrorists against Pakistan.
Recommend
0
Mar 02, 2017 05:39am
@shahid afghans are dominated by iran and india
Recommend
0
Mar 02, 2017 06:21am
Let's build a wall and have Afghanistan pay for it! How.. by taxing them a certain amount every time they come in to the country whether if it's for business or pleasure!
Recommend
0
Mar 02, 2017 06:33am
Keep the border close a little longer please. The afghanis thinks india will save them if they go agaisnt pakistan. India only wants to use afghnaistan agaisnt pakistan.
Recommend
0
Mar 02, 2017 07:36am
It should remain close for sometime. Pakistan must show its muscles to push Afghan Government to stop using its soil against Pakistan and should destroy terrorists network bases in Afghanistan. Pakistan should instal scanning system to screen all goods (goods vehicles) and people crossing to and fro. India should mind its own business and should stop dictating Afghanis.
Recommend
0
Mar 02, 2017 08:20am
Keep border closed until complete border management is sorted out. You see Afghanistan and India how it hurts to stop water and trade.
Recommend
0
Mar 02, 2017 08:21am
@lafanga
Sir you say India has no other interests in Afghanistan except creating problems for Pakistan via Afghanistan
Now Sir, brass tag.
Name any reconstruction activity undertaken by Pakistan.non.
Look at Indian contribution, largest in world, school college hospital roads administrative building dams electricity power houses .
Afghanistan people see it
Recommend
0
Mar 02, 2017 08:49am
All this is happening because of our lack of unity....
Recommend
0
Mar 02, 2017 09:31am
@majid : Again should check facts, AF-PAK trade is at a all time low to 500 million dollars from i think 2-5 billion dollars. Prices in Afghanistan haven't sky rocketed, prices are pretty stable. This shows Afghanistan is not as dependant on Pakistan as before. In a month chahabar will be operational. Afghanistan will no longer be landlocked with Pakistan having its leverage over Afghanistan. Afghanistan potential for trade will increase with India and world wide. Closure of border is a tactic to hurt ordinary people on both sides of durrand line. Terrorist don't use border crossings.
Recommend
0
Mar 02, 2017 09:32am
@Khan USA : Wont do much, when Pakistan wouldn't allow Afghan trucks to carry goods to India. Afghanistan-Iran-India worked on Chahabar so both countries could expand trade potential. It isn't working because we will be looking for alternative ways. Where Pakistan loses leverage.
Recommend
0
Mar 02, 2017 09:40am
@Dr. rafiq khan : With all due respect you should also check that on both sides of durrand line pashtun tribes live.
Recommend
0
Mar 02, 2017 09:51am
Ask your friend to open border for you.. we will not open our border. you are stabbing us from back and also wants all the benefits from Pakistan. this will not work anymore.
Recommend
0
Mar 02, 2017 09:57am
@ABA , Only India should have the privilege to use Afghan soil to destabilize Pakistan. And also send Kul Bhashan thru Iran to sabotage Gawadar / CPEC. See how peaceful and nice is she with her neighbours.
Recommend
0
Mar 04, 2017 06:42am
@Watanparasth before it was India now with Afghanistan. long before with bangladesh, sometimes with Iran. hard to believe who is
really hostile. time to recognise with whom we sharing border. china will sell arms but not guaranteed to win. innocent game is over now.
Recommend
0
Mar 04, 2017 07:10am
@Ed rather counter productive....why not work together?
Recommend
0
Mar 04, 2017 07:48am
@Princess_of_DHUMP because they have no other choice. wish they
have the border with India. India gave shelter when pakistan attack his so called brother. still all surrounding countries comes to india for medical treatment in low cost. even hundreds of pakistani comes to india for higher medical issue. all are welcome to India without prejudice.
India build state of the art hospital in Afghanistan. all indian used to give ona paisa each government transaction to Bangladesh for help in the past for 20 years.
Recommend
0
Mar 04, 2017 08:51am
@umair arshad you are asking two best friends to separate to accept as a new friend. friendship is not false game it takes long times to trust. first move with open heart without any hidden agenda and supperity. win the heart with loves and respect not with the guns and bombs. friends will runs after you. indian and Afghanistan relation are older than pakistan. Hindukush mountain in Afghanistan. buddhist sculpture were before mogul attacked. which taliban destroyed by force.be friend without any expectation.
Recommend
0
Mar 04, 2017 09:00am
@LONDONER wrong, pakistan only giving bread eating butter from
WHO, and UN is funding for the refuges in million of dollars every year. not a single rupee spend by pakistan to afghans refugees. wake up it is who benefited is your government. pakistan has no money to feed his own people.
Recommend
0
