Author: Mehrab Shah Afridi

Latest exchange of fire took place near Torkham border crossing in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province By Mehrab Shah Afridi KABUL: Taliban authorities have accused Pakistani forces of killing three civilians—a woman and two children—in an exchange of fire near the Torkham border crossing on Monday. The clash, which took place in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, has further strained relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. According to Abdul Mateen Qani, a spokesman for Afghanistan’s Interior Ministry, Pakistani forces targeted civilian homes, leading to the deaths. “Pakistani forces targeted civilian houses and killed a woman and two children,” Qani stated in a social media post…

By Mehrab Shah Afridi TORKHAM: The Torkham border has become a hotspot of unrest as customs clearing agents, traders, and transporters protest against the Temporary Admission Documents (TAD) policy. Demonstrators have organized a strike that includes road blockades, tire burnings, and the erection of makeshift tents at the border crossing. Protesters argue that the current TAD policy is adversely affecting trade and exports, leading to factory closures and significant negative impacts on multiple sectors, particularly transporters. They claim the restrictive policy is limiting their access to the Afghan market and disrupting cross-border trade. As a result, the flow of goods…

Despite having been issued gate passes, the trucks are being turned back at the Zero Point, leaving the drivers stranded without financial support By Mehrab Shah Afridi TORKHAM BORDER: The Torkham border crossing has become a scene of frustration and financial strain as between 40 to 70 tons of goods-laden trucks have been stranded for several days. The drivers, who initially entered Pakistan with visas, are now being required to provide Temporary Admission Documents (TAD) upon their return to Afghanistan, leading to significant daily losses and an unaddressed crisis. At the Pakistan-Afghanistan Torkham border, the All Torkham Customs Clearing Agents,…

By Mehrab Shah Afridi TORKHAM: A significant protest erupted at the Torkham border as laborers voiced their frustrations over alleged harassment and stringent measures imposed by multiple authorities, including the Frontier Corps (FC), Customs, and the National Logistics Cell (NLC). The workers, who are crucial to the operation and maintenance of this key border crossing, have been displaying black flags to signal their deep discontent with the current situation. The protestors have reported experiencing deteriorating working conditions and mistreatment from border authorities. Their grievances include allegations of unjust treatment, excessive scrutiny, and harsh working conditions, which they claim have worsened…

DISTRICT KHYBER: In an unprecedented move, female Additional Station House Officers (SHOs) have been appointed in all four police stations of District Khyber for the first time. According to an order issued by the office of District Police Officer Saleem Abbas Kalachi, Lady Constable Mehak Pervez has been transferred from Ali Masjid General to Police Station Landi Kotal as Additional SHO. Lady Constable Naila Jabbar, previously on general duty in Bara, has been appointed as Additional SHO at Ali Masjid. Lady Constable Fatima Samin Jan, who was serving at the Women’s Desk, has been made Additional SHO Bara, while Constable…

KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur said, “The government urges us to negotiate, but we assert that you are not even the government, so what should we negotiate with you?” By Mehrab Shah Afridi PESHAWAR: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has confirmed ongoing communication with the establishment, stating that no significant outcomes have emerged from these interactions. Gandapur, a member of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), made these remarks following a meeting with PTI founder Imran Khan at Adiala Jail on Saturday. Speaking to the media, Gandapur said, “The government urges us to negotiate, but we assert that you are not…

DERA ISMAIL KHAN: In a tragic incident on Friday, two police officers were martyred in an attack targeting a convoy of vehicles carrying judges near the Hathala area in Dera Ismail Khan district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The convoy, which included Additional Judge Tang Hasnain, Additional Sessions Judge South, and Senior Civil Judge Mah Jabeen, was reportedly unharmed during the attack. According to initial reports, the judges’ convoy came under gunfire in what appears to be a terrorist act. The attack resulted in the deaths of two officers from the Upper Waziristan Police, identified as Abdullah and Constable Samad Khan. Additionally, two…

To obtain TADs, vehicle owners must submit their vehicle’s registration papers, passport, identification card, and a $100 fee By Mehrab Shah Afridi LANDI KOTAL: The enforcement of the Temporary Admission Document (TAD) policy at the Torkham border has led to significant disruptions in cross-border trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan. As of today, freight vehicles without the required TADs are being denied entry, resulting in long queues on both sides of the border and causing considerable distress among transporters. The TAD policy, which started its enforcement today, mandates that vehicles involved in export and import activities must possess Temporary Admission Documentation.…

LANDIKOTAL: On Friday, a significant anti-smuggling operation was executed by the district administration under directives from the provincial government at the Torkham Border. The operation, spearheaded by Assistant Commissioner Landikotal Adnan Mumtaz and a specialized team from the Frontier Corps (North), targeted a warehouse in Bacha Mena, located near the Torkham Border. Deputy Commissioner Khyber Captain (retd) Sanauallah Khan confirmed that the raid led to the seizure of millions of rupees worth of contraband items. Authorities confiscated over 12,000 packs of illicit foreign cigarettes, 272 packs of banned Indian medicines, and paan, among other prohibited goods. The operation took place…

By Mehrab Shah Afridi LANDIKOTAL: On Friday, a significant anti-smuggling operation was executed by the district administration under directives from the provincial government at the Torkham Border. The operation, spearheaded by Assistant Commissioner Landikotal Adnan Mumtaz and a specialized team from the Frontier Corps (North), targeted a warehouse in Bacha Mena, located near the Torkham Border. Deputy Commissioner Khyber Captain (retd) Sanauallah Khan confirmed that the raid led to the seizure of millions of rupees worth of contraband items. Authorities confiscated over 12,000 packs of illicit foreign cigarettes, 272 packs of banned Indian medicines, and paan, among other prohibited goods.…