Pakistan extends closure of borders for two weeks

Pakistan has decided to extend the closure of borders for two more week due to coronavirus pandemic, however, Chaman-Torkham border will remain open until Thursday (tomorrow) over the request of Afghanistan.

The decision was taken in the latest session of the National Coordination Committee (NCC) held under the chair of Prime Minister Imran Khan to review measures for curbing spread of COVID-19.

Special Assistant to the PM on National Security Division Moeed Yusuf said in a statement that it had been decided to close borders till April 11. However, the closure has been extended for two more weeks, he added.

“Chaman-Torkham border will remain open till tomorrow over the request of Afghanistan. Moreover, Pakistan has granted permission to Afghan citizens stranded to move to Afghanistan on humanitarian ground. The federal government has also allowed sending specific food items to Afghanistan,” said Yusuf.

 “It is our national responsibility to bring back Pakistanis. However, flight operation will remain shut till April 11 and stranded Pakistanis were being taken to home through special flights,” he added.