Key Takeaways
- Around 70 medical students returned to Pakistan from Afghanistan.
- The students were stranded due to border restrictions since October last year.
- Local political leaders and government authorities facilitated their safe passage.
Around 70 medical students who had been stranded in Afghanistan for several months have finally returned home, marking a significant milestone after enduring prolonged travel delays. The students were able to cross the Torkham border late on Saturday evening following negotiations and interventions by local political leaders and government authorities.
Family members of the students expressed relief at their safe return, noting that their academic sessions had ended weeks ago and they had been eager to resume their studies in Pakistan. According to relatives, the students had reached the Afghan side of the border a few days earlier but were unable to cross into Pakistan due to ongoing restrictions on pedestrian movement since October last year.
Sherin Khan Afridi, senior vice president of the Awami National Party (ANP) in Khyber district, played a crucial role in securing their return. The matter was escalated to government authorities and political leaders in Islamabad by ANP leaders, leading to official instructions from the capital that facilitated the students' crossing into Pakistan.
Upon arrival at the Torkham border crossing, the stranded students were received by border authorities and a delegation of Awami National Party workers led by Sherin Afridi. They were provided with food and refreshments before being transported to their respective destinations. The safe return of these students highlights the collaborative efforts between local political parties and government agencies in addressing humanitarian issues.
The students' journey home was not without challenges, as they faced difficulties due to border restrictions that have been in place since October last year. However, through persistent efforts by local leaders and official instructions from Islamabad, their return has now become a reality.
