Truck drivers carrying goods from Afghanistan, who hitherto would cross over into Pakistan only by showing to the officials their passports, would now have to show their passports with visa stamps on them, says in media reports. In this connection, an agreement was reached between the officials of the two countries at their meeting held at Pak-Afghan border crossing at Torkham yesterday. The purpose of the decision is to regulate trade between both countries, improve security and eliminate smuggling. Both truck drivers and traders have welcomed the agreement. A truck driver has expressed the hope that the decision will not only benefit both Pakistan and Afghanistan, but also traders and drivers. Another driver, who was equally pleased with the agreement, said that not only he was happy to hear the news but all truck drivers. On the other hand, Pakistan Customs Inspector Alam Zeb has said that nowhere in the world people and vehicles cross over from one country to another without showing their visas. “The visa implementation system is in vogue in the entire world,” he added. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)