Pakistan embassy in Kabul has said on Sunday that the border management mechanism at Torkham is also in the interest of Afghanistan to stop cross-border movement of the terrorists who are responsible for violence in both countries.
Pakistan introduced a new system that has made it obligatory for every Afghan national to carry legal travel documents to for entry into Pakistan.
"20,000 to 25,000 people daily cross the Torkham border and if there is no proper check and no documentation, terrorists will take advantage to sneak into Pakistan," said Pakistan embassy spokesman Akhtar Munir in an interview to the NNI by phone from Kabul on Sunday. He added: "We do not know as to how many terrorists among the people who move on both sides.
He said these elements created problems in both countries hence, Pakistan made this decision and the aim was only documentation to stop the movement of these elements. He said this was essential for the peace in both countries.
"Our investigation has suggested that those who attacked the Bacha Khan University, the PAF Badabher facility and APS had came through Torkham border," the spokesman said adding that the "mechanism does not mean peace in Pakistan alone but it is also for the peace in Afghanistan."
Akhtar Munir said that Pakistan had informed the people in advance through the embassy and consulates and the media that the people must get visas by June 1st.
When asked how Pakistan would ensure Afghans get visas after making passport and visas compulsory for Afghans, he said Pakistan did not refuse visas to anyone and the rejection rate was almost zero.