KHYBER: World Peace Jirga (WPJ) has demanded restoration of gate pass and token system for both Afghan nationals and locals to frequently travel on both sides of the Torkham border.

Addressing a seminar on trade with Afghanistan and security situation at Torkham, WPJ chairman Riaayatullah alias Khan Baba said that revival of the previous gate passes and token system would boost bilateral trade between the two neighbouring countries.

He said that it would also help in revival of jobs to thousands of local and Afghan labourers and daily wagers.

The government has recently introduced Individual Voluntary Arrangement System (Ivas) for cross-border movement of both local and Afghan traders, transporters, custom clearing agents, labourers and daily wagers.

The federal government has assigned the Torkham office of Federal Investigation Agency to execute the new policy by checking the personal credentials of all those frequently crossing the border for security reasons.

Local representatives of labourers and daily wagers had said soon after implementation of Ivas that it resulted in loss of jobs of thousands of people and confronted them with serious financial problems.

Khan Baba in his address to the seminar said that provision of personal passes and tokens to needy persons at Torkham was need of the hour.

He said that WPJ would approach the federal government to address the problem. He said that a committee would be formed to negotiate the issue with the relevant officials.

He also called for early creation of border markets along all the border points with Afghanistan, saying it would not only promote bilateral trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan but would also create job opportunities for local people.

Khan Baba said that time was not far when trade activities with the Central Asian Republics would get an impetus at Pakistan-Afghanistan border points.

He also demanded tax relief for investors so that the country could be put on the path of development.

Local leader of transporters Azeemullah Shinwari, labour leader Farman Khan, Landi Bazaar Traders Union president Jafar Shinwari and others also spoke on the occasion and talked about problems they were facing at Torkham border.

Published in Dawn, March 23rd, 2022