KHYBER: Unstable relations and tension arose between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been effected bilateral trade at Pak- Afghan sharing border, Torkham. It is to be stated here that on the fourth consecutive day, the Torkham border was suspended for all kinds of movement due to cross firing of the Pak and Afghan forces four days back. The trader community said that since long relations between the both neighboring countries have been in shaky condition that not only causes blockade of the Torkham border but also multiplied misères of the business and transporters. As per immigration official in Torkham eight to ten thousands pedestrians daily cross the border on either side. President All Torkham Clearing Agents Association, Mujib Shinwari said that 1.5 million dollars per day revenue loss from export to the national exchequer had been recorded. Similarly in the form of import tax and duties, 450 million plus rupees per day loss was documented, he added. Our Correspondent
Shinwari maintained that besides 800 clearing agents, thousands of the transporters, local traders and shopkeepers affected the border disputes.
He opined that people of the both countries had suffered a lot in the last three decades therefore the Pak-Afghan government shun their differences and worked for the welfare of the militancy-hit people.
War can not be a solution to a dispute, he stated and urged the governments of the both countries to settle all of their issues through table talks.
Torkham Laborers union head Zakir Umar expressed his regret over the aggressive situation prevailed at the both sides of the border and said it not only grieved the 1400 registered daily wagers to earn but also deprived thousands of their families members of having three times meals.
He demanded early solution of the Pak-Afghan conflict by means of dialogue.
On the other hand, the anti-polio drive that was scheduled to begin on Wednesday was suspended because of the law and order situation in the area, police officials informed.
According to the forces official Pak army troops had been deployed at the border to avoid any untoward happenings at the border.
