Uzbekistan has closed its border with Afghanistan to prevent a coronavirus outbreak. Despite the closure, no positive COVID-19 cases have been recorded in Balkh province. The Islamic Emirate dismissed claims regarding Daesh threats as baseless, emphasizing their control over Afghanistan. India and China have expressed intentions to strengthen humanitarian support and economic cooperation with Afghanistan amid these developments.
Uzbekistan has closed its border at the Afghanistan–Uzbekistan Friendship Bridge as a precaution against the spread of coronavirus. This measure was enacted early on Monday, targeting the connectivity between Hairatan in Afghanistan’s Balkh province and Termez in Uzbekistan. According to Munir Ahmad Farhad, a provincial governor’s spokesman, the closure is expected to be temporary.
Prior to this closure, a flight from Iran landed in Mazar-e-Sharif, but local officials confirmed that no passengers were infected with the virus. Currently, there are no documented COVID-19 cases in Balkh province, although positive cases have been detected in Herat and potential infections reported in provinces such as Ghor, Farah, and Badakhshan. Additionally, Pakistan has also closed its Chaman border with Afghanistan for a week as a response to the outbreak.
In a separate context, Fitrat, spokesman for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), dismissed claims from Pakistan regarding the IEA’s inability to manage the Daesh threat as “baseless.” He emphasized the IEA’s control over the entirety of Afghanistan, asserting that unauthorized activities are not permitted. Fitrat called for Afghanistan’s rightful representation at the UN to combat the misrepresentation of the country’s security situation.
Pakistan’s envoy to the UN, Munir Akram, argued that Afghanistan is facing a significant challenge from over 20 terrorist groups, including Daesh, and that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is active within Afghanistan, posing regional threats. However, analysts have speculated that Pakistan may be leveraging these claims to further its own political interests.
Meanwhile, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, highlighted India’s special ties with Afghanistan as essential in its engagement strategy. He noted discussions between Indian officials and Afghanistan’s acting foreign minister, which resulted in considerations for future development projects in Afghanistan, alongside ongoing humanitarian efforts.
China’s envoy to the UN, Fu Cong, called for increased international engagement and humanitarian aid for Afghanistan, stressing the need for economic stability and support for women’s rights. He urged donor countries to restore aid, which had been significantly reduced, adversely impacting Afghanistan’s healthcare and education sectors. Fu highlighted the necessity for cooperation in addressing terrorism and promoting Afghanistan’s economic recovery, while also respecting its sovereignty and independence.
The closure of borders between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan reflects a heightened response to potential COVID-19 threats, underscoring regional concerns regarding health safety. Meanwhile, geopolitical dynamics concerning security claims and humanitarian aid continue to evolve, with nations like India and China emphasizing their roles in Afghan recovery. The interplay of local governance, international relations, and the fight against terrorism remains central to Afghanistan’s future stability, requiring collaborative efforts to address multifaceted challenges.
Original Source: www.ariananews.af
