CHAGAI: Tax-free trade activities between Pakistan and Iran were suspended as the Iranian authorities on Sunday closed the trade gate, known as Zero Point, with the closure of the joint market at Taftan, a town in Chagai district, in connection with Nauroz holidays.

Taftan Assistant Commissioner Asmatullah Achakzai told Dawn that the Iranian authorities on Saturday informed the Taftan administration regarding the closure of the trade gate and the market. The trade activities will be remained suspended for almost two weeks, Mr Achakzai added.

Meanwhile, several parts of Chagai, Nushki, Kharan and Washuk districts of Rakhshan division received light and moderate rainfalls with thunderstorm and hailstorm in some areas on Sunday.

The rainfalls caused flash flood in some mountainous areas of Chagai and Washuk districts.

Dalbandin, Nushki, Mashkel and Chagai town received moderate shower. The flow of routine traffic on the RCD highway, passing through Taftan, Nokkundi, Dalbandin and Nushki, was affected owing to windstorm.

Published in Dawn, March 22nd, 2021