Border Dispute Causes Trade Disruption At Torkham Crossing

People cross the main Pakistan-Afghan border crossing in Torkham

A crucial crossing on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, the Torkham border crossing, has been closed for nearly a week, causing significant disruptions to bilateral trade and the movement of people. The closure, initiated by Pakistan on Feb. 21 due to a dispute over Afghanistan's construction of a border post, has led to financial losses for traders and left many individuals stranded in harsh winter conditions.

More than 5,000 trucks and vehicles carrying goods, including perishable items like fruits and vegetables, are currently stranded on both sides of the border, awaiting the reopening of the trade route. The closure has not only impacted local traders but has also affected the transportation of goods between Pakistan and Central Asian countries, highlighting the critical role of the Torkham crossing in regional trade.

Truck drivers and travelers have been particularly affected by the closure, with many forced to spend nights in their vehicles due to the uncertain situation. Calls have been made for both Pakistan and Afghanistan to swiftly resolve their dispute to facilitate the resumption of bilateral trade and the movement of people.

More than 5,000 trucks stranded with perishable goods

Significant disruptions to bilateral trade and movement of people

Impacts on local traders and transportation to Central Asian countries

While Pakistani authorities have not provided immediate comments on the situation, the closure has been confirmed by officials on the Afghan side of the border. Disputes over border posts along the Durand Line, which Afghanistan does not officially recognize, have been a recurring issue leading to border closures at Torkham.

The closure comes amidst heightened security concerns in the region, with the Pakistani Taliban posing a threat to security forces in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province where the Torkham crossing is located. The recent Taliban takeover in Afghanistan has further complicated the situation, with the Pakistani Taliban gaining strength and carrying out attacks that strain relations between Islamabad and Kabul.

The closure of the Torkham border crossing has left individuals on both sides facing uncertainty and hardship, emphasizing the urgent need for a resolution to the ongoing dispute to restore normalcy and facilitate the movement of goods and people across the border.