LANDI KOTAL: The Afghan nationals, returning to their homeland, have accused the Khasadar and levies personnel at Torkham border of extortion.

They alleged that Khasadar and Levies personnel kept them in illegal detention for several hours if they refused to pay them money. The return of Afghan nationals has gained momentum before Eidul Azha.

Officials also confirmed increase in number of the returning Afghans at the Torkham crossing point.

Basit Ali Mazari, an Afghan national, said that he and his family members were stopped at the Torkham border from crossing over to Afghanistan as the border guards demanded Rs15,000 from him. He said when he refused to pay the amount, his family was forced to stay under the scorching sun which forced him to oblige the border guards.

Saqib Samangani and Mustafa Baghlani also said that they were made to pay Rs20,000 and Rs25,000 respectively as their families were stopped from crossing the border.

Officials at the border, however, denied that any of the Khasadar or Levies men was involved in extortion of returning Afghans. They said that they had already suspended some of the khasadars, who were involved in ‘mistreating’ Afghans. They said that they would do the same if any complaint was lodged with them.

Published in Dawn, September 24th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play