ANP concerned for students stranded in Afghanistan

Border closures trap 2,500-3,000 Pakistani students; ANP urges special flights

PESHAWAR:

Awami National Party Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa President Mian Iftikhar Hussain has said that approximately 2,500 to 3,000 Pakistani students currently residing in Afghanistan are facing severe difficulties due to border closures.

In a press statement, he said that the students have completed their academic session and, despite the commencement of holidays, remain stranded in Afghanistan because of the continued closure of border crossings. The border shutdown, he added, has become the biggest obstacle to their safe return home.

Mian Iftikhar Hussain urged the authorities to put aside political differences and rigid attitudes, warning that such decisions are adversely affecting students, trade, and employment. He demanded that both the federal and provincial governments take immediate steps to resolve the issue and ensure the safe return of the stranded students.

He emphasized that if return by road is not possible, the government should arrange special flights for the students. The provincial ANP president further stated that the party's central president, Senator Aimal Wali Khan, had already submitted a formal request to Pakistani authorities and the Prime Minister's Office through central spokesperson Ehsanullah Khan. He added that ANP Member of the provincial Assembly, Nisar Baz, has also repeatedly raised the issue on the floor of the provincial assembly.

"Unfortunately, no practical progress has been made so far," he said.

Mian Iftikhar Hussain noted that the parents of the stranded students are undergoing severe mental distress and stressed that it is the government's responsibility to take urgent action and address their concerns without further delay.