Released ARY Journalist welcomed at Torkham border

By Ashrafuddin Pizada                                                                              

LANDIKOTAL: The ARY Television reporter Faizullah Khan, who was arrested in Afghanistan five months ago, was released and handed him over to Pakistani border authorities at Torkham on Monday.

Faizullah Khan was received by his wife and his son Torkham border where Political Agent Khyber Sayed Shahab Ali Shah, Rana Azeem, Karachi press club General Secretary Amir Habib, Peshawar Press club president Shahid Khan, Peshawar Press Club,Nasir Hussain, ARY Peshawar Bureau chief Ziaul haq and Tribal Union fJournalists Khyber Agency President Mehboob Shah Afridi were also present on the occasion. Faizullah Khan’s wife broke into tears as Faizullah Khan crossed the border and entered into Pakistan.

A color full ceremony was organized by the political administration of Torkham border where journalists distributed sweets among all.

Torkham border was completely closed for some time during the welcome ceremony when  Faizullah Khan was entering into Pakistan. Journalists and other civil society members present at the border chanted full throat slogans “Pakistan Zinda baad and welcome dear Faizullah Khan”.  

Talking to reporter standing on the Torkham border gate, Faizullah Khan said that the government of Pakistan played a vital role in his release. He lauded and thanked the journalist community who raised voice for his release.

The Khyber agency Political Agent Shahab Ali Shah also spoke and said that the governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sardar Mehtab Ahmad Khan, had issued them special instructions to receive the Pakistani journalist  giving him a VVIP protocol. Shahab Ali Sahah Said Pakistan’s foreign office and Pakistani consulate at Jalalabad had played a vital role in Faizullah’s release.  

Zia ul Haq, ARY bureau chief acknowledged the President of Pakistan and Prime Minister  for their full support in the release of their colleague.

It may be added here Faizullah Khan was arrested Ningrahar province of Afghanistan.He was in jail for five months and four days after he had crossed the border unknowingly and entered Afghanistan. Afghan court had sentenced him a five years of jail but on the hectic efforts by the Pakistani government, journalists community he was released.