Several patients and traders on both sides of the Torkham border crossing say that despite a week having passed since the closure of this vital gateway, no steps have been taken to reopen it. They add that the closure has caused significant problems for them.
Noman, a patient caretaker who has been waiting for the Torkham gate to open for several days, says that his patient’s condition has worsened due to being unable to cross the border. He adds, “Our visa is expiring, and obtaining a new one is very difficult. Many patients are waiting here; this situation is tough for everyone, and a solution must be found.”
Another patient caretaker, Sayed Wali, also shares his frustration, “We’ve been waiting for days; hundreds of people like us are waiting for this gate to open. We expect the government to avoid politicizing the issue when transferring patients to Pakistan.”
Mokhles, a businessman whose commercial goods are stuck on the other side of the Torkham crossing, says he has suffered millions of afghanis in losses due to the border closure. “This is a huge challenge for traders, especially for shipments containing fruits and vegetables. The delay causes damage and spoilage of goods. The trucks are being fined $120 daily for the delay.”
Geo News Pakistan reported, citing customs officials at the Torkham crossing, that thousands of people are stranded on both sides of the border due to its closure.
Officials from the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment under the Islamic Emirate state that nearly 4,000 trucks carrying Afghan commercial goods are stuck at both ends of the Torkham crossing, with each businessman facing losses of more than $500 daily.
Khan Jan Alkozai, a member of the board of the Chamber, says, “Most of the goods are imports and exports coming from Karachi. They incur demurrage and detention charges, and goods are spoiled. Every day, both sides face losses of at least $500.”
He adds that talks are ongoing with Pakistani officials to reopen the Torkham crossing.
Pakistani media also report that several rounds of negotiations between the Islamic Emirate and Pakistani border authorities to reopen the crossing have so far been unsuccessful.
Silab Samandar, a political analyst, says both sides must resolve the issue through dialogue. “These problems can be solved through negotiations, and we can create positive thoughts in the region. However, sincerity and commitment to agreements by the Pakistani government play a crucial role in this matter.”
The Torkham border crossing was closed early on last Saturday by Pakistan after Afghanistan began constructing infrastructure near the controversial Durand Line.
