Negotiations to resume operations at the Torkham border conclude without reaching an agreement.
The Afghan side brings up concerns regarding the passports and visas of drivers. Pakistan asserts that cancer patients were accommodated promptly without any hindrance. They request the relaxation of conditions, emphasizing it is in the best interest of businessmen.
Border discussions between Pakistani and Afghan officials at the Torkham border 'zero point' yielded no results, according to official sources reported by The News on Tuesday.
The Pakistani delegation, led by Lt Col Rana Adnan Shafiq of the Frontier Corps, included Major Murad, Major Bahlool, and Torkham Tehsildar Daud Afridi. On the Afghan side were Qari Abdul Jabbar Hekmat, Qari Rafiullah, Qari Muhammad, and Maulvi Takal.
The meeting addressed various border issues and emphasized the need to resume vehicular and pedestrian movements across the border. The Afghan representatives raised concerns about passports and visas for drivers and helpers, urging relaxation of conditions for the mutual benefit of businesses and transporters from both countries.
Afghan officials argued that the abrupt suspension of trade activities at the Torkham border, without prior notice, violated social and international norms, causing tension and discomfort for traders, patients, and citizens. They emphasized that such practices should not be repeated in the future to maintain amicable relations between neighboring countries.
The Afghan authorities highlighted the challenges in obtaining passports, especially for the 90% of Afghan drivers and patients who lacked these documents. They prioritized patients with serious illnesses such as cancer, citing a lack of resources to issue passports and visas. Afghan officials urged Pakistani authorities to allow patients on a humanitarian basis.
Complaints were lodged about the complicated nature of border reopening and visa issues. Afghan officials warned that if borders were closed without notice, Afghanistan might consider constructing a permanent wall at the Torkham border crossing. Allegations were made that the Pakistani Embassy and consulates were rejecting visit visa applications without providing reasons.
Lt Col Adnan refuted claims of non-cooperation, stating that passport and visa conditions had been pending since November 2 of the previous year. He highlighted the facilitation of cancer patients reaching Pakistani hospitals without delays. While pledging to convey the Afghan side's concerns to relevant departments, he noted Kabul's reluctance to provide data on Afghan drivers and helpers to the Pakistani Embassy in Afghanistan.
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