KABUL (SW) – The Torkham border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan remains closed to trucks, raising concerns among traders and officials at the Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI).
The ongoing closure, now spanning three days, has led to the spoilage of perishable goods left stranded in vehicles at the crossing.
Naqibullah Safi, Head of the Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry, pointed out the destruction of food items due to the extended closure of Torkham Cross Border and says that to address the issue, there is the necessity to establish a joint mechanism promptly.
“This closure, spurred by Pakistan’s imposition of one-way visas and passports, requires both nations to come together and devise a facilitating mechanism,” Safi stated. He urged the elimination of visa and passport requirements for cargo vehicles, proposing the issuance of cards instead. Safi highlighted the urgency for “both sides to engage in constructive dialogue and create a mechanism to facilitate smoother transportation,” revealing that Dand Petan is also currently closed.
The official further noted that, among the five border crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan, only the Gholam-Khan Port remains open for the transfer of transit goods.
Ziaulhaq Sarhadi, Coordinator of the Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry, echoed concerns about the repercussions of Pakistan’s visa and passport requirements, emphasizing that the impact extends beyond Afghanistan to affect goods from other countries. Sarhadi confirmed that they also made efforts to prompt the Pakistani government to collaborate with Afghanistan in establishing a joint mechanism to resolve the ongoing issues.
Meanwhile, Afghan traders at the Torkham crossing, including Abdullah, expressed frustration over the prolonged closure, citing significant economic setbacks. Abdullah urged Pakistan to “reopen the Torkham border crossing swiftly,” stressing its vital role in facilitating the regular transport of goods.
In response to the challenges faced, Mohammad-Younis Momand, the first deputy of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, assured that concerted efforts are underway to develop a mechanism for the uninterrupted movement of trucks through the Torkham crossing.
Despite ongoing discussions within the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Afghanistan to reopen the Torkham border crossing, no concrete results have emerged after three days of closure, leaving businesses and officials awaiting a resolution to the impasse.
ENDS
