Still closed: No border crossing for third consecutive day

Afghan authorities fail to install barbed wire as requested by Pakistan

LANDIKOTAL: Negotiations between Pakistani and Afghan officials and security forces failed to bear fruit as Torkham border remained closed for a third consecutive day.

The main border has been closed since Tuesday and the situation remained tense on both sides of the border. A large number of passengers were stranded, while the Frontier Corps, levies and khasadar personnel were deployed at the Durand Line.

Locals and travellers on both sides of the border seem unhappy with the decision as a large number of vehicles were stranded at the main gate, disturbing transporters and locals. The transporters, whose vehicles were loaded with fruits, vegetables and other edible items suffered greatly as the goods were rotting.

Locals said Pakistani authorities permitted the shifting of bodies to Afghanistan on the condition that a special request application was filled.

They added many of the people suffering through the blockade were patients, women and children. Vulnerable travellers were forced to seek shelter at the mosques of Landikotal Bazaar.

Contingents of military and levies forces had been patrolling the area for the last three days to tackle any untoward situation.

Pakistani officials closed the border when Afghan officials and security forces refused to install barbed wire as directed. It was decided that it would not be reopened unless the fencing was put in place. These steps were part of the National Action Plan to block militants from coming to Pakistan.

Afghan nationals are not allowed to enter Pakistan without travel documents.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 13^th, 2016.