Calm has returned to the Pak-Afghan border after Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban agreed to extend a ceasefire. No new clashes were reported from the Chaman sector, where intense fighting had broken out last week.
The border has been closed for six days, but Pakistan partially reopened the Red Zone area to allow undocumented Afghan refugees to return home. Hundreds of families, including women and children, crossed back into Afghanistan under tight security.
Officials said the ceasefire is holding, though forces on both sides remain on high alert. The Friendship Gate on the Pakistani side remains intact, while it was damaged on the Afghan side during the clashes.
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Despite the calm, trade between the two countries remains completely suspended. Around 140 trucks loaded with fruits such as grapes and pomegranates are stuck in Afghanistan, while over 500 trucks carrying goods are stranded in Pakistan. Traders fear major losses as perishable goods are spoiling.
The Chaman Chamber of Commerce has urged authorities to reopen the border soon to prevent further economic damage and restore normal cross-border business activities.