LANDI KOTAL: Afghan border forces closed the Torkham border crossing on Monday for a second time in three days because of their reservations over construction of a footpath and fence on this side of the border.

Officials here said the Afghans objected to Pakistan’s beautification plan and said that no construction activity be carried out within 30-metre radius of the border.

Know more: Trench dug at Pak-Afghan border to stop infiltration of terrorists

Afghan and Pakistani border guards traded harsh words, leading to suspension of traffic and pedestrian movement through the border.

On Saturday, the two sides had agreed to discuss the matter at higher level and suspend the construction activity within 30-metre radius of the border on both sides. 

However, the border was reopened after officials on the two sides agreed to discuss the issue at senior officials’ level.

Meanwhile, a leader of the banned Lashkar-i-Islam (LI) militant group was killed in Akkakhel area of Tirah valley. Noor Zadin was considered to be a close aide to LI chief Mangal Bagh.

Published in Dawn, November 25th , 2014