Quetta-Kandhar Bus Service to begin Shortly
By Husnia Natoor - Pakistan Times Foreign Correspondent

KANDHAR (Afghanistan): Pakistan and Afghanistan decided to introduce bus service between Quetta and Kandhar to facilitate traveling between the two neighbouring countries.

The decision was taken at a meeting held here in Kandhar on Tuesday between Governor Balochistan Owais Ahmed Ghani and Governor Kandhar Engineer Mohammed Yousuf Pashtoon.

The meeting also decided to start construction of Railway line between Pakistani border town Chaman and Afghan city Kandhar for which survey has already been conducted.

The Track

The 100 km Railway track would be completed at an estimated cost of US dollar 110 million with the coorporation of Pakistan Railways.

To a proposal given by Governor Kandhar to seal Pak-Afghan border in face of the coming presidential elections in Afghanistan on October-9, the Balochistan Governor assured that the security measures on the border has already tightened
and Pakistan Army force has deployed there to block cross border movement.

Of Afghan Elections

He said Afghan refugees, residing in Chaman, would be given facility to cast their votes in these elections at Spin Buldak.

The meeting decided to improve immigration facilities at Pak-Afghan border at Chaman and to informally open the friendship gate pending formal inauguration.

Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in trade and other sectors.

Invitation for Sibi Week

Governor Balochistan invited his counterpart to Sibi week ceremonies next year, which was accepted. He also assured cooperation in training Afghan teachers in Pakistan.

Earlier, the Governor Balochistan was accorded warm welcome on his arrival at Kandhar airport. Governor Kandhar and other officials, Pakistani Consul General at Kandhar Noorullah and other officials were present to receive him.

He visited the shrine of Kharqa Sharif and offered fateha on the grave of Baba Ahmed Shah and Baba Wali. He also visited the old Governor house at Kandhar, which will be converted in a museum.●