The Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan has reopened after nearly a month of closure, facilitating the resumption of trade. The closure stemmed from Afghan construction work, prompting significant disruptions. Officials from both nations welcomed the reopening, emphasizing the need for a strategy to separate political issues from business for stronger economic ties.
The Torkham border crossing, a critical link between Pakistan and Afghanistan, has reopened after a month-long closure. This decision enables the resumption of trade and movement across the border, which had been disrupted since February 21 due to Afghan construction activities along the border, according to Pakistani officials. The closure had notably halted over $1.6 billion worth of trade between the nations in 2024, as reported by Pakistan’s foreign office.
Naheed Khan, a senior police official from Khyber district, confirmed the border’s reopening for transportation, while Hazrat Nabi Toor, an Afghan customs clearing agent, noted that it facilitated the movement of trucks. Torkham gate commissioner Hajji Hikmatullah expressed optimism that the reopening would allow stranded trucks to proceed to their destinations, with passenger movement expected to start on Friday.
Hikmatullah emphasized the importance of both countries devising a strategy to separate political issues from business, which would bolster economic relations. Asghar Ali, a Pakistani customs agent, remarked on the rapid movement of vehicles carrying perishable goods immediately after the announcement, asserting that previous border closures led to significant financial losses for businesses.
Historically, border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan have led to the closure of crossings such as Torkham and Chaman, severely impacting trade and travel. Last month, a skirmish occurred at Torkham during its closure, injuring three Pakistani civilians. These developments occur amidst heightened tensions between Kabul and Islamabad over rising militant activities in Pakistan’s bordering provinces, with accusations exchanged between both nations regarding cross-border security issues.
The reopening of the Torkham border crossing marks a significant step toward restoring trade and economic relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan after a month of closure. The easing of restrictions is expected to benefit businesses significantly, as previous border closures have resulted in considerable financial losses. However, there remain critical security concerns and underlying political tensions that must be addressed to ensure the stability and continuity of trade in the future.
Original Source: www.arabnews.pk
