Border closure causes $12 million trade loss, leaves thousands stranded on both sides
Shamim Shahid
LANDIKOTAL: The Torkham border crossing remained closed for the fifth consecutive day on Wednesday, suspending all trade and travel between Pakistan and Afghanistan, officials confirmed.
The closure, triggered by tensions over construction in disputed areas, has severely impacted cross-border movement.
According to customs officials, the halt in trade over the past four days has resulted in an estimated loss of $12 million. The immigration authorities further revealed that nearly 10,000 people cross the Torkham border daily, with the closure leaving thousands stranded on both sides.
Mujeeb Khan Shinwari, president of the Torkham Customs Clearing Agents Association, told The News that multiple rounds of negotiations had taken place between Pakistani and Afghan border officials.
He added that Customs Collector Mateen Alam was also involved in the discussions, expressing optimism that an agreement had been reached to reopen the border soon.
Local traders and daily wage earners have been particularly affected. A trader, Qari Nazeem Gul, highlighted that around 800 daily wagers depend on the crossing for their livelihoods, with many now struggling due to the extended shutdown.
Officials remain hopeful that trade and pedestrian movement will resume shortly, pending final clearance from both sides.
The Torkham border was closed on Saturday (February 22) for all kinds of movement after tension escalated between Pakistani and Afghan forces over the construction of a bunker by the latter near Zero-Point.
According to security sources, Afghan forces attempted to build a bunker in a disputed area near the border, prompting Pakistan’s Frontier Corps (FC) to respond.
Both sides have reinforced their positions and Pakistani authorities relocated customs, immigration and police officials from Torkham Bazaar to Landikotal as a precautionary measure. Both sides have taken defensive positions, heightening fears of armed clash.
The Torkham crossing, a vital trade route, frequently faces such disruptions, severely impacting economic activities in both countries.
