LANDI KOTAL: Afghanistan Ambassador to Pakistan Shukrullah Atif paid a visit to Torkhsm border on Wednesday, inspected various sections and also took a security briefing.

The Afghan envoy along with other officials arrived at the border in a helicopter from Ghulam Khan border in Waziristan.

Commandant Khyber Rifles Colonel Farrukh Humayun and Wing Commandant Colonel Faisal welcomed the Afghan delegation and apprised them about the current security situation at the border along with the steps taken by the government for smooth arrival of Afghans.

Ambassador Atif then visited the offices of National Logistic Cell, immigration offices and other related sections at the border.

Sources said the Afghan ambassador’s visit to Torkham was aimed at assessing the government of Pakistan’s plan to keep the border open round the clock. They said Mr Atif expressed satisfaction over the steps taken to keep the border open 24/7. He flew back to Islamabad after spending some time with local officials.

The government had announced in July that Prime Minister Imran Khan would inaugurate the Torkham border opening for seven days a week in August, but no specific date was given for the event.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mahmood Khan and special assistant to PM Arbab Shehzad also visited the border in the first week of August to assess the preparations for the PM’s visit.

Published in Dawn, August 22nd, 2019