By Sudhir Ahmed Afridi
KHYBER: At the Pak-Afghan Torkham Border, 50 children involved in illegal smuggling were deported to Afghanistan through the intervention of a tribal jirga. These children, both boys and girls, are part of a much larger group—estimated at over 700 per day—who cross the border illegally by climbing over the fence.
After being arrested, the children were initially taken to Landi Kotal police station for legal proceedings. However, in light of the holy month of Ramadan and as an act of goodwill, the tribal jirga requested their release and arranged for their deportation. Members of the jirga expressed their gratitude to the police and the Frontier Corps North for honoring their request and facilitating the humanitarian return of the detained children.
Speaking to the media at Landi Kotal police station, SHO Adnan Afridi, accompanied by tribal jirga members and the detained children, highlighted that illegal crossings of Afghan children at Torkham have become a routine occurrence. Many of these children, often unaware of the risks, become involved in drug smuggling and other illicit activities, while also damaging the border fence in attempts to enter Pakistan.
Jirga member Malik Tajuddin Shinwari echoed these concerns, stating that the release of the children was a goodwill gesture in line with tribal traditions. He thanked the Frontier Corps North and the police for respecting tribal customs and ensuring that the children were repatriated rather than jailed. The occasion was also attended by Customs Clearing Agents Association President Mujeeb Shinwari, along with other jirga members, including Zakir Shinwari and Haji Jaber Shinwari
