F.P. Report
QUETTA: The Pak-Afghan border at Chaman remained close on the third day on Wednesday “in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus on both sides of the border in the best interest of the people of the brotherly countries.”
On the other hand, the Taftan border between Iran and Pakistan has been opened temporarily in accordance with the pre-defined schedule to allow one-way traffic into the country. Those returning include pilgrims among other Pakistani citizens, and they are being screened and kept under quarantine at the Pakistan House. They will be allowed to leave after proper screening is concluded.
On the 11th day of the Taftan border’s closure, bilateral trade activities have been completed halted. Meanwhile, Iran struggles to contain the virus spread as the number of infected persons in the country rose to 2,336 and the number of deaths rose to 77 as of Wednesday — the third highest outside China.
According to the PDMA, 400 pilgrims returned from Iran yesterday, and they entered into Pakistan via routes other than the border.
Currently, there are over 2,800 pilgrims quarantined at the Pakistan House.
