National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has decided to close the Pak-Aghan border as well as the friendship gate in Chaman for the bilateral pedestrian crossing in the wake of rising the number of coronavirus cases in Afghanistan, reported 24News HD TV channel on Friday. 

NCOC reconsidered land border management policy. As per the decision of the NCOC, the friendship gate has been closed for two-way traffic from Friday, June 18.

The bilateral foot traffic to and from the friendship gate would be suspended till further orders while Pak-Afghan bilateral trade would continue.

According to the decision, the Pakistanis in Afghanistan can return while following strict coronavirus standard operating procedures (SOPs) and Afghans in Pakistan can also return to their home country.

Afghan citizens can travel to Pakistan after getting coronavirus tests in case of emergency. According to the NCOC statement, the Afghan students studying in Pakistan will be informed in this regard.