A large number of Afghan citizens, intended to travel to neighbouring Afghanistan, have stranded in different areas of Landi Kotal bazaar as the Torkham border remained close for the third consecutive day on Thursday. The official said that the high-ups of Pakistan and Afghanistan held meeting for the fourth phase of dialogue to resolve the border fencing issue but they were yet again failed to produce positive result.
As a result for the last three days, dozens of Afghanistan bound Afghan nationals including women, children and patients who were stuck due to tension developed on the border between Pakistan and Afghan officials took shelter in under construction buildings, verandas and other shades in Landi Kotal bazaar. Although, the local tribesmen provided with them food, water and other necessities but they were displeased with the endless uncertain situation had developed on the border between the neighbourly countries.
Afghan nationals say that they had stayed in the bazaar with hope that the border would open soon and they would return to their native village somewhere in Afghanistan. Similarly, according to sources, a number of Afghan refugees repatriated families were also stranded different areas due to the border suspension and according to the families they had left Azad Kashmir or far parts of Punjab to return to their country. They said it was impossible for them to return back to the area. For the last 36 hours they were waiting in loaded trucks on Landi Kotal-Torkham road to cross the border to Afghanistan, they lamented.