Installation of barbed wires at Torkham causes dispute

Afghan officials said they would not allow the installation whereas Pakistan terms it a part of NAP

LANDIKOTAL: The Pak-Afghan border at Torkham was closed for all forms of transportation on Tuesday as Afghan officials and security forces prevented the installation of barbed wire by Pakistan, The Express Tribune has learnt.

“The situation turned tense when Pakistani authorities began installing barbed wires,” an official said. “This was done to control people from crossing the border.”

Khyber Rifles Commandant Colonel Tariq Hafeez and Assistant Political Agent Rahimullah Mehsud rushed to the site along with heavy contingents of security forces. They entered into negotiations with Afghan Police Commander Zabihullah Shinwari. However, the negotiations were futile.

Authorities at Torkham said unless work on the installation of barbed wires was not resumed, they will not reopen the border.

On the contrary, Afghan officials said they would not allow the installation on the border.

Pakistan maintains the wires will be installed as part of the National Action Plan – such that 'miscreants' from Afghanistan are unable to enter the country.

Due to closure of the border, a large number of vehicles, loaded with mostly edibles and fuel, were stranded in Pakistan and Afghan.

Border officials from both the countries denied entries to those travelling with valid documents. The stranded people included a large number of women and children.