LANDIKOTAL: A breakthrough has been achieved for Pakistani transporters and vehicle owners whose vehicles have been stranded in Afghanistan for the past eight months due to border tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, sources said on Tuesday.
After mutual consultations and a jirga, authorities have approved the return of these vehicles through the Torkham border crossing starting June 11.In this regard, an important jirga was convened at the office of Peshawar Commissioner Riaz Mehsud under his supervision.
Tribal elders from Landikotal, including Malik Tajuddin Shinwari, Malik Alam Sher, Mufti Ejaz Shinwari, transport leader Rahman Zeb, President of the Torkham Customs Clearing Agents Association Mujeeb Shinwari, representatives of the business community, and relevant officials from both countries were in attendance.Various proposals for the return of Pakistani vehicles stranded in Afghanistan were discussed, and a mutually agreed mechanism was finalized.
According to the decision, Pakistani vehicles stranded in Afghanistan will be allowed to cross the Torkham border in phases from June 11, between morning and 2:00 pm daily. After 2:00 pm, the repatriation process of Afghan refugees will continue as usual.
Local elders and transporters welcomed the decision, describing it as a positive step toward restoring trade activities and building confidence between the two countries.They expressed hope that the move would ease the difficulties faced by transporters and contribute to the promotion of cross-border trade.
Participants of the jirga appreciated the cooperation of the authorities on both sides and stressed the importance of resolving such issues through dialogue and mutual understanding in the future.
