Tensions flare at Chaman border as Afghans stage anti-Pakistan protest

CHAMAN: Afghan citizens on Friday took out a rally against Pakistan for their Independence Day till the Bab-e-Dosti gate at the Chaman border.

The protest was held in reaction to a similar protest tribes on the Pakistan side had held yesterday denouncing Indian Prime Minister Modi’s statement on Balochistan.

The Afghans in presence of their security forces pelted stones at the Bab-e-Dosti gate due to which the glass on the gate shattered. The angry protesters desecrated the Pakistan flag by burning it.

Pakistan Frontier Corp in retaliation closed down the Bab-e-Dosti gate due to which trade across the border came to a complete halt.

Long queues of NATO trucks and other vehicles formed at the border due to which traders faced immense difficulties.

Modi had sparked controversy on the Indian Independence Day on August 15 when he had alleged that Pakistan was a supporter of 'terrorism' and that the people of Balochistan, Gilgit and Kashmir had thanked him in the past few days.

Tensions had flared at Torkham earlier in July when Pakistan decided to construct a gate to monitor movement of goods and passengers across the border. Firing by Afghan forces had killed a Pakistan major and injured several. Construction of the gate was completed in August.