By Ashrafuddin Pirzada
LANDIKOTAL: The body of an Afghan citizen, who had been lying in the zero-point area for more than a week after being killed in cross-border firing, was finally retrieved and handed over to his family for burial in Afghanistan, locals said on Thursday.
Mifti Muhammad Ejaz and former tehsil chairman Shah Khalid Shinwari said that they were in contact with the Afghan and Pakistani authorities to initiate a ceasefire for a few hours and retrieve the body for burial. They said the development came after continuous efforts by tribal jirga members from both sides, who raised their voices for human dignity despite the tense situation along the Pak-Afghan border.
The key figures in the efforts included Mufti Muhammad Ejaz Shinwari, former tehsil chairman Shah Khalid Shinwari, and other respected individuals who marched towards Torkham on Thursday had white flags in their hands.
They reached the zero point and lifted the body of a deceased Afghan national who lost his life during an exchange of fire amid rising tensions at the Torkham border. Due to security concerns and ongoing hostilities, the body remained unattended in the sensitive Zero point area for several days, causing distress among locals and the bereaved family.
Demonstrating commitment to human dignity, the jirga members maintained contact with relevant authorities on both sides of the border. Their efforts eventually succeeded in securing permission to retrieve the body during a temporary ceasefire.
Speaking on the occasion, Mufti Muhammad Ejaz said that even in times of conflict, human dignity and respect must prevail. “War has its own principles, but respect for the dead is essential and cannot be ignored,” he said.
Eyewitnesses said that once both border authorities agreed, local elders reached the site, carefully retrieved the body, and ensured its respectful handling. The body was placed in a coffin and handed over to the family, who shifted it to Afghanistan for the tadfeen and final rites.
The move was appreciated on both sides of the border, which termed it a positive example of compassion amid tensions. Residents said the jirga system continues to play a vital role in resolving sensitive conflict-affected areas.
Jirga members reiterated their commitment to continue using the mechanisms of dialogue and understanding to address such issues in the future, stressing that both sides must resolve the issues through table talks.
