Islamabad: Trade activities remain halted for the tenth consecutive day on the Pak-Afghan Torkham border, with long queues of cargo trucks on both sides of the border.
According to media reports, the Torkham border crossing, the primary trade route between Pakistan and Afghanistan, remains closed for the 10th consecutive day on Monday, escalating tensions between the two nations. The closure, initiated on January 13, stems from a new Pakistani policy requiring passports and visas from Afghan drivers, prompting a reciprocal ban on Pakistani truckers by the Afghan Taliban authorities.
On both sides, thousands of trucks loaded with fruits and vegetables have been stranded for ten days, and due to the border closure, the perishable goods in the trucks are starting to spoil.
The government on the Pakistani side of the Torkham border is trying to mainstream the border and implement a passport visa system. On the other hand, transporters are demanding the facility of sticker visas and the immediate reopening of the border.
The Pakistan government’s policy to demand visas follows its decision to expel over a million undocumented foreigners, mainly Afghans, on November 1, alleging that Kabul protects militants who are involved in cross-border attacks and terrorist activities within Pakistan.
Despite the economic toll on both countries, several rounds of negotiations have failed to yield results.
It should be noted that the closure of the Torkham border is causing a daily loss of more than Rs. 68 crores to the national exchequer. Truck drivers on the Pak-Afghan highway are facing difficulties, while transporters and traders are suffering financial losses.
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