Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Adviser to Information, Barrister Saif, has urged the federal government to approve the Terms of Reference (TORs) for an urgent delegation to Afghanistan, emphasizing the need for immediate dialogue.
In a statement, Barrister Saif stressed that ensuring the security of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s residents remains the provincial government’s top priority.
He criticised the federal government for allegedly politicising the issue of terrorism and questioned why similar objections were not raised when chief ministers from Punjab and Sindh undertook foreign visits. He stated that such actions reinforce the province’s sense of deprivation.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Foreign Office has confirmed reports that Afghan authorities attempted to construct a border post on the Pakistani side at Torkham. This follows the closure of the Torkham border crossing last Friday, which has disrupted movement and trade.
The Foreign Office spokesperson, Shafqat Ali Khan, confirmed these efforts during a weekly briefing, highlighting the ongoing challenges at the border.
Shafqat Ali Khan explained that Afghan authorities had been attempting to create a post on the Pakistani side of the border, which would have been a violation of existing protocols.
The Pakistani government has officially raised concerns with Afghan authorities and has urged them to resolve the issue through dialogue and negotiations.
“We have told Afghan authorities that this issue can be settled through proper discussions,” Shafqat Ali Khan said.
