Afghan Taliban close Torkham border for pedestrians

Published September 14, 2021
Afghan Taliban suspended the return of Afghan nationals to their country through the Torkham border on Monday. — AFP/File
Afghan Taliban suspended the return of Afghan nationals to their country through the Torkham border on Monday. — AFP/File

KHYBER: Afghan Taliban suspended the return of Afghan nationals to their country through the Torkham border on Monday.

Security officials on Pakistani side of the crossing point, however, said vehicular traffic continued as loaded vehicles from both the sides crossed the border.

Though the exact reason for restricting movement of Afghans returning to their country could not be ascertained, local sources said hundreds of Afghans aspiring to come to Pakistan had gathered at the Afghan side of the border in the hope that the crossing would reopen for regular pedestrian movement.

Security officials, however, argued that they had not received any orders or intimation about reopening of the border for pedestrian movement.

Pakistan closed its border in May for pedestrian movement in order to prevent transmission of coronavirus from across the border. The country, however, allowed Afghans to go back to their country and also Pakistanis to return.

Separately, three persons, including a man and his wife, were killed in separate incidents on Monday. Police said unidentified gunmen shot dead a man and his wife early on Monday morning after intruding into their house in Shalobar area of Bara. Reason behind the incident was stated to be refusal of the deceased to marry their daughter off to a member of the accused party.

In another incident, a minor boy lost his life when he was buried alive in a mudslide in Chora area of Jamrud.

Published in Dawn, September 14th, 2021

Opinion

Editorial

Out of control
Updated 19 Feb, 2025

Out of control

AS bodies continue to fall in Kurram despite a state-sanctioned ceasefire, one wonders how long local militants’...
Hollow words
19 Feb, 2025

Hollow words

IT is not uncommon for politicians to resort to the use of hyperbole in order to boost their public standing. ...
Migration matters
19 Feb, 2025

Migration matters

THE grass, it seems, did appear greener on the other side to millions of people as evidenced by the latest UN ...
Cholistan project
Updated 18 Feb, 2025

Cholistan project

GPI goals align with Pakistan's broader economic aims but the manner in which the initiative was launched raises questions.
Right to know
18 Feb, 2025

Right to know

IT is an unfortunate paradox that while on paper Pakistan has some of the most impressive right to information laws,...
Dam dispute
18 Feb, 2025

Dam dispute

THE situation in Chilas needs attention and a fair-minded approach so that it can be resolved amicably. Diamer ...