Afghanistan: supplies to Nato forces via Chaman border suspended

(AGI) - Karachi, Aug 22 - Supplies to the NATO forces based in Afghanistan as well as routine trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan remained suspended on fifth day at one of the busiest borders between the two countries. Angry Afghans burnt Pakistani flag last week in a demonstration near the Chaman border in the south that prompted Pakistan to close this entry point for public, NATO supplies and local trucks. Trucks loaded with fresh fruits are stranded on the Afghan side while long queues of trucks carrying goods for the NATO troop are waiting on the Pakistani side to be allowed to enter Afghanistan. Border forces of the two countries did hold a meeting on the weekend to defuse the situation but it failed to break the deadlock. The border forces of the two countries are on high alert due to a previous deadly exchange of fire between the two neighbours on the northern Torkham borders few weeks ago. Last week, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi blamed Pakistani for violating human rights in Baluchistan, Pakistan. Modi's comments caused uproar in Pakistan that has long been blaming India for the similar charge in Indian Administered Kashmir. Situation on the Chaman border flared-up when people on the Pakistani side held a rally against the remarks made by the Indian premier. This was followed by an opposite demonstration on the Afghan side in favour of the Baluch people, which eventually saw Pakistani flag being torched. The local media has reported that Pakistan is now demanding apology from Afghanistan over this, and until then the border would remain closed. Bilateral trade between the two countries has hit a new low following the Torkham episode early this year, and it might not even reach the $ 1 billion mark. (AGI) .