IEA meets with Pakistani officials to discuss Torkham border issue

Pakistan and Islamic Emirate officials met Sunday at Torkham crossing to discuss the border crisis which has rendered the crossing closed for six days.

Pakistan’s The News reported Monday, citing official sources, that the meeting started at midday on Sunday and lasted for two hours.

The Afghan delegation at the meeting was reportedly headed by the Islamic Emirate’s customs chief Hafiz Asmatullah Yaqoobi, and Qari Meraj and Moulvi Takal.

Pakistan, on the other hand, was represented by the Commandant of Khyber Rifles Colonel Asim Kiyani and other officials.

Sources told The News that both sides agreed to help resolve disputes through negotiations and talks.

The IEA said Pakistani forces opened fire on Afghan border guards while they were building a new outpost and working on old security posts on Afghanistan territory.

The IEA delegation reportedly assured Pakistani officials that the new post being constructed would not be used against Pakistan, one source said.

The Pakistani side told the Afghan officials they could renovate the old security posts but the international law did not allow construction of new security posts within 100 meters of the international border.

The Pakistani officials told the Afghan officials they should have informed Pakistan of their plans to build a new security post prior to the construction of new security posts close to the Zero Point.

The Afghan officials requested the Pakistani authorities reopen the Torkham crossing and allow stranded trucks through.

The crossing was closed on Wednesday to all traffic. Hundreds of trucks are now stranded at the crossing, many of which are carrying fresh fruits and vegetables.