KABUL (SW): Police in Pakistan continued to persecute Afghan refugees despite opening of the Torkham and Spin Boldak crossing points for two days after 19 days of unilateral closure.
Omar Zakhilwal, Afghanistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, said the people stranded on both sides of the crossing points should use this opportunity. “Kabul has not reached any ultimate solution with Islamabad for permanent re-opening of the crossing points”, informed Zakhilwal.
Pakistan closed the crossing points after string of suicide attacks that hit Pakistan last month. According to Salam Watandar correspondent at Torkham, Pakistani border guards and police took bribes from Afghans who were returning back to their country.
People who visited Pakistan for medical treatment complained Pakistani police demanded bribe from them as well. Those who managed to cross-over to Afghanistan told Salam Watandar Afghan citizens are bearing tough conditions, and are desperately waiting for the crossing points to open. Some refugees are said to be beaten and detained by Pakistani police without any valid reason.
Khairullah Azad, deputy spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has said talks with Pakistani authorities resulted in opening of the crossing points for two days “The Afghan government has not reached a positive solution for the issue yet”, added Azad.
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