PEOPLE have been making the crossing at Torkham for centuries. However, in this age of transnational security threats, some sort of border management is essential. As demonstrated by the tragedy on Tuesday, border crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan at this spot are anything but orderly. After authorities tightened verification procedures, an Afghan woman and a child lost their lives reportedly due to suffocation at the border crossing. Chaotic scenes at this location are nothing new, and the tragedy underscores the need for a well-organised and smooth border management system at Torkham.
Thousands of people cross the Pak-Afghan border at Torkham daily; although the authorities here have no reliable figures. As per the ‘right of easement’ granted to the divided tribes living along the Durand Line, some groups, such as the Shinwaris, are exempt from visa formalities. But even otherwise, Afghans who have business links with Pakistan or who want to meet relatives or visit health facilities in Peshawar also cross over regularly. Some get in with relative ease after greasing the palms of border officials as they do not possess proper documents. This chaotic state of affairs cannot be allowed to continue as it poses significant security risks to Pakistan. For example, some of the militants involved in the Bacha Khan University attack apparently crossed over from Torkham undetected. The problem has also been brought up at the apex committee level. A rahdari (route permit) system has been introduced but is not being utilised to its full potential. For those who frequently cross the border, this card can be a workable solution, as through it the state will have the data of those entering and leaving the country. It can facilitate regular travellers as they will not have to apply for a visa each time they want to visit Pakistan, while allowing the state to spot undesirable elements. For the sake of security, the state needs to modernise and improve the border management system at Torkham without delay.
Published in Dawn, April 14th, 2016
