Visa exemptions obtained for crossing Torkham

LANDIKOTAL: Transporters from both Pakistan and Afghanistan have succeeded in obtaining visa exemptions to cross the Torkham border.

The visa relaxation was approved after a meeting was held with Pakistani officials responsible for border affairs. The moot was held on Friday.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Khyber Transporters Association President Shakir Afridi said a 25-member delegation of Afghanistan transporters participated in the meeting which lasted for around two-and-a-half hours. He added transporters were members of Shamshad Transporters Association Afghanistan.

The first round of dialogue was held at the residence of Afghan parliamentarian Asef Wali in Jalalabad a few days ago.

During Friday’s meeting, transporters from Pakistan and Afghanistan expressed their concern over violent clashes between security forces at Torkham. They also vowed to avert hostilities in the future.

As tensions erupted in June, the relevant authorities directed all Afghan drivers and their conductors to obtain visa in its Pakistani diplomatic missions while transporting goods towards Peshawar and other destinations of Pakistan. The relevant authorities announced the deadline of July 31 in this respect. However, the Afghan government has never imposed any visa restriction for Pakistani drivers and their helpers.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 23^rd, 2016.