Afghans allowed to cross Torkham border by showing Tazkira for Eid

TORKHAM:

A large number of passengers left for their home country Afghanistan to celebrate Eidul Fitr after Pakistani authorities allowed them to cross the Torkham border for a limited time period till April 29 on showing their official identity card Tazkira.

According to official sources, a new strategy would be adopted by the officials after the end of the deadline of April 29. The Afghan nationals lauded the decision and thanked the Pakistani officials.

Pakistan had shut Torkham border for Afghan passengers last month causing them severe difficulties. However, on the occasion of Eidul Fitr, a five-day window has been opened for the passenger to end their trouble.

Read more: Taliban reopen Torkham border after brief closure

Earlier in the month, media reports suggested that scores of returning Afghans got stranded at the Torkham border as the authorities refused to allow them to go back to their country on the mere production of Tazkira.

The federal government had introduced Individual Voluntary Arrangement System (IVAS) at the Torkham border for Afghan nationals in early March to regulate their cross-border movement through a security mechanism.