KP CM, Afghan diplomat agree on efforts to reopen Torkham border

#Afghan #diplomat #agree #efforts #reopen #Torkham #border

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandpur and Afghan Consul General Hafiz Mohibullah Shakir agreed to close efforts to close the last eight days in view of Ramadan and the incoming Eid -ul -Fitr.

The provincial chief executive said during a meeting with an Afghan diplomat in Peshawar, “The border needs to be opened soon … The Afghan embassy should play its role in reopening the border.”

Due to tensions on the construction of a bunker near Zero Point, the closure has had a serious impact on cross -border movement, which has suspended all trade and journey between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

According to security sources, Afghan forces tried to build a bunker in the disputed area near the border, indicating that the Frontier Corps (FC) of Pakistan was responded to.

Both sides have reinforced their positions, and as a precautionary measure, the two sides have transferred customs, immigration and police officers from Torkham Bazaar to Landicotal. The two sides have taken defense positions, raising concerns about the armed conflict.

On February 25, Zia-ul-Haq Sirhadi, senior vice president of the Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that the shutdown not only stopped trade between the two neighboring countries, but also left thousands of people on both sides of the border.

He pointed out that about 2500 2,500 trucks were trapped by Pakistan, waiting for clearance, many similar vehicles were trapped across the border. Local traders and daily wages have been particularly affected.

During the meeting today, issues related to bilateral trade and issues facing Afghan citizens living in the province were discussed.

Speaking on the occasion, CM Gandpur emphasized that regional peace is in the interest of both Pakistan and Afghanistan.

He pointed out that the KP government has formed a jirga to negotiate with the Afghan government at the provincial level. “We were waiting for the federal government’s approval to the Jerga Tour [terms of references]”He added.

In addition, the Chief Minister said that international organizations are in talks to provide health and educational cards to Afghans.

Last month, KPCM adviser Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif had said that the provincial government would send two delegations to Afghanistan to hold talks with Kabul.

According to the Terms of References (TORs), two delegations will be sent to Kabul, which will first be entrusted with the task of creating a conducive environment for a conversation and handling diplomatic issues, while the second will consist of different stakeholders.

This development has come up against the backdrop of the growing terrorist incidents in Pakistan, which Islamabad has repeatedly blamed for illegal groups based in Kabul.

The two countries have shared an unsafe border that extends about 2,500 km with several crossing points, which is important as an important element of regional trade and an important factor of relations between the people on both sides of the fence.

However, the issue of terrorism has become an important issue for Pakistan, which has called on Afghanistan to prevent its territory from invading the previous area by groups like Tahrik Talban Pakistan (TTP).

Islamabad’s reservations have also been confirmed by a report submitted by the UN Security Council (UNSC) by an analytical support and sanctions monitoring team, which later revealed a nexus between Kabul and TTP, with former provider logistics, operational and financial assistance.

Due to the KP security situation-which includes a month-long riot in the region-in September 2024, KPCM Gandapur proposed direct dialogue with Afghanistan to address terrorism concerns for lasting peace in the bonding borders.

In support of Pakistan Tehreek -e -Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, the announcement received a flicker from the federal government, which called it a direct attack on the federation.