The Torkham border between Pakistan and Afghanistan remained closed for the fourth day. Officials from both countries met to discuss visa restrictions for cargo vehicle drivers, but the meeting ended without a resolution.
Pakistan enforced visa requirements for Afghan commercial vehicle drivers starting November 1, 2023. The aim was to boost security, curb smuggling, and foster legal trade. The closure led to hundreds of cargo vehicles stranded, causing significant losses. Pakistan is also losing about Rs50 million in revenue daily.
A flag meeting was organized to discuss reopening the border, but it was inconclusive. Afghan authorities reportedly didn’t take the visa requirement seriously. As a result, drivers without visas were barred from entering Pakistan.
Impact of Closure and Visa Restrictions
Businessmen Qari Nazeem Gul and Kharij Khan reported massive losses due to the border closure. Perishable goods on over 100 vehicles were spoiled. Speaking anonymously, a customs official confirmed Pakistan’s significant daily revenue loss.
Haji Azimullah, President of the Torkham Transport Union, highlighted the financial strain on transporters. The closure affects vehicle maintenance and the livelihoods of labourers who remain unpaid.
During the flag meeting at the Torkham Frontier Corps conference hall, Pakistani officials insisted on maintaining the visa requirement. They accused Afghan authorities of not taking the necessary steps to comply with the new policy. The measures are deemed essential for curbing smuggling and encouraging legal trade.
Afghan officials countered, claiming that obtaining Pakistani visas was challenging for their drivers. Despite the standoff, special measures were implemented for two-way traffic at the Torkham border after the new policy announcement.
