Torkham border shut, tensions escalate over fencing issue
PM Nawaz had said that massive cross-border movement poses security risk
LANDIKOTAL (Dunya News) – Tensions at Pakistan-Afghanistan border have surged Wednesday as security forces started fencing two-kilometre (km) area but Afghan authorities halted the process despite beforehand notice.
Pakistani security forces initiated fencing at Torkham over security concerns. The border is shut leaving over 1,000 vehicles and people stranded.
Authorities from both the sides convened several meetings however, not one proved fruitful. Security troops are standing alert and have taken up positions after failed talks.
Pakistani authorities have maintained that Torkham would remain closed until a positive answer is not given from the neighboruing country.
Afghan army reportedly drove armoured vehicles close to the border after the issue while Khyber Rifles (KR) Commandant Colonel Tariq Hafeez leading contingents of Khyber Rifles, Khassadar and Levies personnel rushed to the border and took positions.
Different terrorist attacks in the past were revealed to have been planned in Afghanistan and terrorists had crossed Torkham border to execute the attack. Two persons belonging to influential families were abducted and shifted to Afghanistan using the same passage.
In January, attack on Bacha Khan University that claimed at least 21 lives including a PhD doctor was unfolded to have been planned in Afghanistan.
Chief Minister (CM) Pervez Khattak had demanded Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif to raise the issue with Afghanistan government and not brush it under the carpet again. Unchecked cross-border movement between the two countries poses great threat to locals’ lives not in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) but all parts of country, he said.
Earlier in December, while addressing fifth Heart of Asia Conference, PM Nawaz had said that massive cross-border movement poses security risk. He said that peace in Afghanistan is crucial for peace in the region. Pakistan would continue to offer services to establish peace in the neighbouring country, he added.
