KHYBER: Scores of porters and daily wagers held a demonstration at the Torkham border on Monday to protest against the restrictions imposed on their cross-border movement.

Some of the emotionally charged protesters lied down on the road in front of the loaded vehicles, thus suspending traffic for some time. They were, however, later removed by the security personnel to restore traffic.

Fahmeedullah Shinwari, a spokesman for the protesting labourers, said on the occasion that the government wanted the poor porters and daily wagers to acquire visas for entering Afghanistan.

“We will never submit to visa condition nor will we apply for a visa as it will deprive us of our legitimate and internationally recognised status to maneuver between the two neighbouring countries under the easement rights accorded to us both by Pakistan and Afghanistan,” Mr Shinwari told Dawn on contact.

He demanded of the immigration and security officials to allow their cross-border movement either on their Nadra-verified CNICs or a token issued to them by any competent authority.

Published in Dawn, November 30th, 2021