The Torkham border crossing has been closed for the fifth consecutive day, resulting in a complete suspension of all trade and travel activities between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The Torkham border stems from heightened tensions due to construction activities in disputed areas, drastically affecting cross-border movements. Customs officials report that the trading halt over the past four days has led to a substantial economic impact, with an estimated loss of $12 million. Immigration authorities noted that nearly 10,000 individuals typically cross the Torkham border daily, and the ongoing closure has left thousands stranded on both sides.
Mujeeb Khan Shinwari, president of the Torkham Customs Clearing Agents Association, disclosed that several rounds of negotiations have occurred between Pakistani and Afghan border officials to resolve the issue. Customs Collector Mateen Alam has played a significant role in these discussions, and there is optimism that an agreement to reopen the border may soon be implemented.
Read: Torkham Border Closure: FC and FIA Clash Disrupts Afghanistan-Pakistan Travel
The extended shutdown has severely affected local traders and daily wage earners. Qari Nazeem Gul, a local trader, pointed out that approximately 800 daily wage workers depend on the border crossing for their livelihoods, many of whom are now facing financial difficulties due to the prolonged closure.
Authorities remain hopeful that trade and pedestrian traffic will resume shortly, pending final approvals from both sides.
The closure initially took place on Saturday, February 22, after tensions escalated between Pakistani and Afghan forces over the construction of a bunker by Afghan forces near Zero Point. In response, Pakistan’s Frontier Corps (FC) intervened, leading to a standoff.
