Afghan elders,religious figures bring a message of brotherhood to Pakistan

TORKHAM: Tribal elder Malik Khalid receives Afghan Mashar.

TORKHAM BORDER:: Conveying a message of good-well to the friendship from the Afghan citizens, a delegation of influential elders and religious scholars on Wednesday visited Pakistan to bring Pakistan and Afghanistan close and strengthen bilateral ties between the two neighboring countries

The Afghan delegation, led by Mulvi Muhammad, reached Torkham border around 10 am where political Tehsildar Shamsul Islam received them. They drove toward Michni checkpost where assistant Political agent of Landikotal Niaz Muhammad, Malik Khalid Khan, Malik Abdur Razaq, Malik Darya Khan and Malik Pervez Shinwari welcomed the afghan delegation. 

The rest of the members of the Afghan delegation were Mulvi Jabir,Mulvi Inayatullah,Mulvi Sher Muhammad,Ustad Zakaria,Ameer Lal Muhammad, Ustad Allahyar and Mulvi Masoom Gul. 

The Afghan elders said that they want peace and prosperity in Pakistan and Afghanistan. They said it was the time that Pakistan and Afghanistan coordinate and help each other and meet the challenges being faced by both the nations. They wished that despite the governments tribal elders and influential also work for promotion of peace and development in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Pakistani officials and elders presented sweets and cold drinks to the Afghan guests at Torkham border and Michni checkpost. The delegation later drove to Landikotal Army garrison where they met with the political agent of Khyber Agency Captain (R) Khalid Mehmood and other officials. Extra security steps had been taken during the visit of the delegation and special contingents of Khasadars and levies force were assigned to escort the Afghan elders. 

The Afghan delegation discussed various issues being faced by Afghan commuters at Torkham border crossing. Political Agent Khalid Mehoomd assured the Afghan elders and religious scholars that they would help relax the Torkham border for legal Afghan passengers. He told them that it was the moral obligation of afghan and Pakistani elders to extend their good-well between the nations so that they could mutually work on the free trade between the two countries. 

A lavish lunch was also offered to the Afghan delegation who enjoyed it and thanked Pakistani officials and citizens.

Malik Khalid Khan Zakhakhel and Malik Abdur Razaq Afridi termed the Afghan elders’ visit to Pakistan as a step toward restoration of cordial relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Malik Khalid told The News that Afghan elders and religious scholars went back to their country with message of brotherhood and good relations from Pakistani nation. Khalid Khan Afridi said Afghan elders also invited them to Afghanistan so that they could sit a precedent for reducing the gulf between tribals living across the border. 

Meanwhile, a team of senior officials of National Management Course  headed by protocol officer Imtiaz visited Landikotal and Torkham border. Political agent of Khyber Khalid Mehmood briefed the team at Michni chekck post. They also visited the Torkham border where they physically checked the border management arrangements. Political agent Khalid Mehmood gave presentation to the NMC about law and order situation in Landikotal.