December 1, 2001	Saturday	Ramazan 15, 1422

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PESHAWAR, Nov 30: The Pakistan-Afghan border at Torkham was reopened on Friday after the two sides reached an agreement to allow Pakistani authorities resume the construction of a wall at the checkpoint.

Pakistani officials said that the border at Torkham was reopened at around noon when officials from both the sides met to discuss a dispute over the construction of a wall and fence on the main checkpoint.

The Afghan side, which had initially raised objection to the construction of a brick wall and setting up of a fence, later relented and agreed to let the Pakistani authorities carry out the work with some minor adjustments, the officials said.

Pakistani authorities took the plea that the construction was being done well within the Pakistani territory and objections raised by the Afghan side were unwarranted.

Troubles between the two sides had started when work on the construction of a new gate, laying of barbed wire and a separate place for car-checking began three days ago. The border was closed down on Thursday when the tension rose over the resumption of work. Dozens of trucks carrying goods were left stranded on both sides of the border.

Foreign Journalists also got stuck due to the border closure.

The Afghans have a particular sensitivity towards the Durand Line and have a stated position on the border that demarcates the two countries.

During the talks, the Afghan negotiators also pressed the Pakistani authorities to allow Afghans travelling to and from Afghanistan.

“They were assured that the matter would be taken up with the government,” the officials privy to the talks said.

From the Afghan side, the talks were conducted by Haji Baryalay, brother of the Governor of Nangrahar province, Haji Sheraz and Mudeer Khan while Pakistan was represented by Assistant Political Agent, Landi Kotal and a senior official of the Khyber Rifle.