LANDIKOTAL
The Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan was reopened for travelers holding valid passports and visas after remaining closed for 29 days, officials said on Saturday.
Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) an official, told Lead Pakistan by phone that the passenger-checking system had been repaired, allowing limited cross-border movement. However, he said the reopening has provided much-needed relief to thousands of stranded passengers on both sides of the border.
He said that the Afghan passengers holding PoR and ACC card were not allowed today. He said the Individual Voluntary Arrangement System (IVAS), which was managed by the security forces, was also damaged during recent gunfire from the Afghan side.
He added that the restoration of the IVAS system was necessary for allowing travelers holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards, Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC) and Afghan Tazkera to cross the border.
He said due to the outdated IVAS system the numbers of travelers could be reduced to few hundreds.
According to him, it could take up to a week to repair the system and fully resume operations for these categories of travelers.
The border closure, which started on February 21, caused major disruptions for thousands of passengers, transporters and traders. With the resumption of controlled movement, Pakistani officials hope to gradually return to normal cross-border operations in the coming days.
Officials said that on normal days, around 4,000 people cross the Torkham border daily with their valid travel documents. He added that truckers and their crew members are excluded of it. However, he said, due to the ongoing repair work, Ramadan and other logistical hurdles, fewer than 3,000 passengers could be able to cross on the first day after reopening.
The 29-day closure resulted in significant economic losses, particularly for traders and transporters. Hundreds of trucks loaded with perishable goods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, were left stranded on both sides, leading to financial setbacks for exporters. Many businesses in Landikotal and other border areas also suffered due to the prolonged halt in trade activities.
Local laborers and daily wage workers, who rely on cross-border trade for their livelihoods, faced severe hardships during the closure. The suspension of commercial activities affected not only traders but also transporters, customs agents and small business owners operating in the border region.
Despite the reopening, officials remain cautious about the situation. The FIA and other authorities closely monitoring the movement of travelers to ensure security and smooth processing at the border.
Any further disruptions could lead to additional delays in the full resumption of travel and trade.
Pakistani officials have been in contact with their Afghan counterparts to address security concerns and prevent similar incidents in the future. Authorities on both sides were working to ensure that cross-border movement continues without further interruptions.
With the gradual restoration of operations, traders, travelers and businesses in the region hope for stability and normalcy. However, the situation remain uncertain until the IVAS system is fully repaired and the border crossing is reopened for all categories of travelers.
