Thousands remain stranded at Afghanistan, Pakistan border crossing

Torkham border crossing remains closed for any type of movement

KHYBER AGENCY: The situation remained tense and uncertain along the Pak-Afghan border at Torkham on Thursday after border forces of both the neighbouring countries agreed to a ceasefire and pledged to remain peaceful.

But despite the cessation of hostilities, the border crossing remained closed for any type of movement, amid reports that officials from both Pakistan and Afghanistan have been sticking to their respective terms and conditions. The authorities concerned have sealed access to the border for both civilians and the media.



The Express Tribune came to know that Pakistan was insisting on the installation of the gate at Torkham before opening the border crossing for general public, while Afghan officials have been demanding immediate resumption of traffic. The deadlock is causing hardships to thousands of people, who have been stranded on both sides of the border for the last several days.

Official sources informed The Express Tribune that after getting green signal Pakistani authorities will resume work on raising the gate at the border crossing for which construction material has already been dumped there. They said a flag meeting between the representatives of both the countries at Torkham scheduled for Thursday could not take place. It was anticipated that the situation would become normal after the meeting.



There exists a curfew-like situation at Torkham. Only security personnel could be seen from Mechani -- a town near the border. All civilian departments and organisations have closed their offices while commercial activities remained suspended in the area for the last several days.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 17^th, 2016.