QUETTA: The Iranian government on Monday closed Pak-Iran Friendship Gate at Taftan for two days on account of Ashura.

Official sources said that Iranian border authorities officially informed Pakistani authorities at the Taftan border about the Iranian government’s decision.

“Friendship gate will remain close for two days after the decision of Iranian authorities,” a senior Pakistani border official confirmed to Dawn.

However, the Chaman border will remain open and trade activities will continue.

“Border with Afghanistan at Chaman remains open during Ashura,” a senior security official at Chaman border said, adding that there would be no restriction on the border crossing with legal documents from both sides.

However, strict checking and security measures will remain in place in the border area as Afghan transit trade and Nato supply will continue from both sides.

Published in Dawn, September 10th, 2019