QUETTA, Pakistan (Reuters – Hundreds waited for a truck or other vehicle at the main crossing between Pakistani and Afghan on Monday. It was closing again, despite the promise of traders that it would reopen.

It is the Chaman border crossing that links the two countries, second only to Torkham in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This link connects with Spin Boldak, an Afghan province in Kandahar. It is frequently used by traders and labourers from both sides.

Despite protests from truckers and other people who were waiting to cross, the crossing that was vital for Afghanistan’s cash-strapped government has been closed for approximately three weeks.

“We have a family. Turyalai said, “We have kids and we need money.”

While Afghanistan is in deeper economic distress, neighboring countries are becoming more concerned about the possibility of a massive refugee flow.

Afghanistan has been largely isolated by the shutdown of Chaman, interruptions in traffic at Torkham and suspension of Pakistan Airlines flight from Kabul.

Originally closed by Pakistani authorities in response to security threats. But disputes over COVID-19, Afghan travel documents validity, and other issues have prevented the Chaman crossing from being reopened, despite hardships for truckers, farmers, and others.

For people in urgent need of medical attention, the Pakistan border was temporarily opened Sunday. Pakistan’s health system is much better than that in Afghanistan. It was then quickly shut down again leaving many people stranded.

Mohammad Younus from southern Afghanistan’s province of Helmand said that “many people, some sick were left here” and was trying to get home from Quetta, Pakistan, when the border was closed.

According to him, security forces dispersed the waiting crowds using baton charges. It was not clear when the border would be reopened.

He stated, “Some say the border will open again”, while other people claim it won’t.