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Truckers coming from Afghanistan will now be required to carry passports to enter Pakistan as the neighbouring country has decided to abolish its current policy of allowing drivers to cross the Pak-Afghan border (Torkham border crossing) on the basis of temporary document read more
 "Amid terror threats, Pakistan makes passports mandatory for Afghanistan truckers")
The Torkham border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan. AFP File
Truckers coming from Afghanistan will now be required to carry passports to enter Pakistan as the neighbouring country has decided to abolish its current policy of allowing drivers to cross the Pak-Afghan border (Torkham border crossing) on the basis of temporary document.
According to a Dawn report_,_ Foreign Secretary Syrus Sajjad Qazi announced the decision during a meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs held in Islamabad with Hina Rabbani Khar in the chair.
Qazi said as many terrorist organisations, including the militant ISIS group, East Turkestan Movement and the banned TTP, continue to operate from Afghanistan, it was important for Pakistan to beef up its security.
He said the presence of the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan is a constant threat to Pakistan and added that Islamabad has been repeatedly conveying its concerns to Kabul.
“The attack on Chinese citizens in Dasu was also planned in Afghanistan,” Dawn quoted him as saying.
“After the arrival of Afghan Taliban, anti-Pakistan activities have increased,” he said.
He further said that 664,000 illegal Afghan citizens have returned to their country from Pakistan as of July 22.
In retaliation, the Afghan security authorities have now banned the entry of all types of cargo vehicles from Pakistan into Afghanistan.
Due to this situation, bilateral trade activities have been suspended, and thousands of cargo trucks are now stranded on both sides of the border.
Previously, until July 31, Afghan cargo truck drivers were provided with temporary entry permits (TAD) to facilitate trade activities without the need for visas.
About the India-Pakistan relations, the secretary said that after the Pulwama attack, the Srinagar bus service was suspended and 200 per cent duty was imposed on the import of Pakistani goods.
“Diplomatic missions in New Delhi and Islamabad were reduced by 50 per cent. Former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari visited India last year, but there was no discussion on bilateral relations during the visit. After 2021, the tension on the Line of Control decreased through bilateral consultations," Dawn quoted him as saying.
The secretary also said that Pakistan has allowed India to export 40,000 tons of wheat to Afghanistan through its territory.
With inputs from agencies
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