KHYBER AGENCY: Customs and trade activities remained suspended due to tension at the Pak-Afghan border at Torkham. According to sources, tension between Pakistani and Afghan forces started when the former started fencing near the border on the Pakistani side.
The first round of talks was held between the two sides whereas the second phase of talks failed on the issue of fencing after which both sides went to close the border for the traffic as well as pedestrians.
Long queues of trade vehicles and people were visible on both sides of the border waiting for the reopening of the border. The Pakistan delegation was led by Commandant Khyber Rifles, Col Tariq Hafiz and APA Landi Kotal Rahim Ullah Mehsud while Afghan border officials were led by Police Chief Zabih Ullah Shinwari.
As per sources on the border, it is a prerequisite to streamline and legalize the entry of the people crossing the Torkham border into Pakistanis side which is also a part of National Action Plan. Eye-witnesses said that border security forces of the two neighborly countries were seen on high alert.
It is to be recalled that formally the Afghan border officials had agreed on the construction of grilling and pavements near the border in Pakistani side and had also consented on the issuing of Rahdari cards to Afghan nationals, so that any miscreants or terrorists could not enter Pakistan.
