Uzbekistan has closed its border with Afghanistan over coronavirus fears, while Pakistan has announced similar measures. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has rejected external claims regarding security issues, with conflicting narratives emerging regarding its governance. India and China express commitments to continued support and engagement with Afghanistan amidst these developments.
Uzbekistan has temporarily closed the Afghanistan–Uzbekistan Friendship Bridge as a precaution against the potential spread of coronavirus. This bridge connects Hairatan in Afghanistan’s Balkh province with Termez in Uzbekistan. Munir Ahmad Farhad, the provincial governor’s spokesman, indicated that this closure might be lifted soon. Recently, a flight from Iran arrived in Mazar-e-Sharif, but local officials confirmed no passengers were infected with the virus.
In Afghanistan, no confirmed cases of coronavirus have been reported in Balkh, although a positive case emerged in Herat, with potential infections noted in Ghor, Farah, and Badakhshan provinces. Similarly, Pakistan announced the temporary closure of the Chaman border with Afghanistan due to the ongoing outbreak.
In a separate issue, the Islamic Emirate’s spokesman, Hamdullah Fitrat, dismissed Pakistan’s claims regarding Daesh activity in Afghanistan as unfounded. Fitrat asserted that Afghanistan is secure and that all activities are authorized. He expressed concern about a distorted image of the country being propagated due to Afghanistan’s absence from United Nations meetings.
India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, highlighted the importance of historical ties between India and Afghanistan during a recent UN Security Council meeting. Harish noted ongoing discussions regarding bilateral relations and India’s commitment to supporting Afghanistan through various development projects and humanitarian assistance programs.
In a related development, China urged the international community to continue its engagement with Afghanistan. Fu Cong, China’s envoy to the UN, emphasized the need for expanded economic cooperation and suggested adjusting sanctions to facilitate external engagement with the interim Afghan government. He highlighted the impacts of reduced aid on Afghanistan’s healthcare, education, and economic stability, calling for traditional donors to resume assistance.
Fu also addressed issues surrounding women’s rights in Afghanistan, stating that while this is critical, it is part of broader socio-economic challenges. He urged collective efforts toward the country’s development and stressed the importance of countering terrorism effectively, further emphasizing that China respects Afghanistan’s sovereignty and internal affairs.
The closure of the Afghanistan–Uzbekistan Friendship Bridge and the temporary border closure with Pakistan underscore the increasing health concerns due to coronavirus spread. Various nations continue to assess their engagements with Afghanistan, with India reiterating support and China calling for humanitarian aid. Meanwhile, the Islamic Emirate aims to assert control amidst external criticisms regarding security and governance, emphasizing the importance of a unified stance in addressing both internal stability and international perceptions.
Original Source: www.ariananews.af
