The Torkham border crossing, the primary trade route connecting Pakistan and Afghanistan, remains shuttered for the 10th consecutive day, exacerbating strained relations between the two nations. The closure, initiated on January 13, stems from a new Pakistani policy requiring passports and visas from Afghan drivers, prompting a retaliatory ban on Pakistani truckers by Afghan Taliban authorities.
The impasse is a fallout of Pakistan’s decision to expel over a million undocumented foreigners, primarily Afghans, starting November 1. Allegations of harboring militants launching cross-border attacks have fueled tensions. Pakistan argues that the visa policy aligns with global norms, emphasizing the need for legal travel documents.
Despite claims of communicating the policy to Afghan authorities, Pakistan asserts a lack of practical steps by Kabul, necessitating the new regulations for effective border management. Immigration officials at Torkham argue that the visa policy is crucial for tracking individuals frequently traversing the border.
Economic losses are mounting, with estimated daily losses reaching $100,000, affecting traders on both sides. Numerous rounds of negotiations have failed to yield a resolution. The closure echoes previous incidents, including a nine-day shutdown in September due to border force clashes.
Amidst the security-focused discourse, former Pakistani ambassador to Afghanistan, Abrar Hussain, advocates for a more inclusive approach, urging Pakistan to welcome Afghan traders, investors, and business leaders. He emphasizes fostering trade ties for mutual benefit rather than viewing the relationship solely through a security lens.
Business leaders from both nations decry the closures, with daily losses impacting Pakistani and Afghan traders. Khan Jan Alokozai, VP of the Afghan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, alleges that political reservations drive frequent route closures by Pakistan. He highlights a four-month-old statutory regulatory order imposing a 10% duty on Afghan goods and adding items to the negative list.
Pak-Afghan trade dynamics, governed by the 2010 Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement, face disruption. Afghan exports to Pakistan total approximately $1 billion, while Pakistan’s exports to Afghanistan stand at $1.3 billion. Coordination efforts by the Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry emphasize the need for flexibility, urging Pakistan to grant more time for Afghan drivers to obtain passports.
As the Torkham deadlock persists, concerns arise about a potential shift in Afghanistan’s trade strategy. Spokespersons from the Afghan commerce ministry hint at exploring direct trade with China through the Wakhan Corridor, diversifying trade routes and potentially impacting Pakistan’s regional trade dynamics, particularly with Central Asia.
Analysts warn that bypassing Afghanistan for alternative trade routes with Central Asian states may prove challenging for Pakistan. The prolonged closures also raise the likelihood of Afghan traders redirecting towards other avenues, such as Chabahar Port.
The Afghan Taliban’s perception of a tougher stance from Pakistan, not witnessed during previous administrations, prompts calls for a nuanced approach. With the Taliban now in a governing role, understanding the sensitivities of neighboring countries becomes crucial for maintaining regional stability. Observers stress the need for the Taliban leadership to rein in elements that risk straining relations with Pakistan.
