Ashrafuddin Pirzada
LANDIKOTAL
The Pakistan-Afghanistan border at Torkham remained closed for the second consecutive day due to ongoing tension between the two countries, sources said on Sunday.
They said that both trade activities and pedestrian movement remained suspended, causing significant difficulties for travelers and businesses on both sides.
On the first day of the closure, hundreds of passengers, including women and children, were stranded as they waited for permission to cross. Many had to spend the night at the border with no clear information on when they would be allowed to proceed.
As of today, a large number of Afghan-bound passengers have gathered outside the Nadra immigration center in Torkham, waiting for clearance to travel. However, there have been no negotiations or official announcements regarding the reopening of the border. The prolonged closure also affecting trade, with trucks carrying goods stuck on both sides, raising concerns among traders and transporters.
Torkham Border Remains Closed, Losses in Billions
Senior Torkham custom association member and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam leader, Qari Nazim Gul Shinwari appealed to both Pakistan and Afghanistan, emphasizing that the frequent closure of the Torkham border was causing significant losses to both countries. He urged that trade should not be made a victim of politics.
Qari Nazim Gul stated that the closure of the Torkham border results in daily financial losses worth millions of rupees on both sides. He appealed for resolving issues through mutual dialogues and table talks,ensuring the involvement of business stakeholders.
He also urged authorities to allow patients, women, children and pedestrians to cross the border to reduce congestion at Torkham.
Authorities have yet to provide a timeline for resolving the issue, leaving passengers and businesses uncertain about when normal operations would resume.
