The Torkham border, a crucial transit point between Pakistan and Afghanistan, has been reopened after a 10-day closure. The closure was prompted by Islamabad’s imposition of visa restrictions on Afghan truck drivers, leading to reciprocal actions by the Afghan Taliban authorities.
The border closure, initiated on January 13, stemmed from Pakistan’s newly implemented policy requiring passports and visas from Afghan drivers. This move was part of Islamabad’s broader effort to expel over a million undocumented foreigners, primarily Afghans, starting on November 1. Tensions escalated as accusations surfaced that Kabul was harboring militants launching cross-border attacks.
Officials in Islamabad claim to have repeatedly communicated the imposition of the visa policy to Afghan authorities, alleging a lack of practical steps from Kabul to comply with international border crossing rules.
The closure resulted in substantial economic losses for both nations, with daily estimates reaching around $100,000, according to traders. The Torkham border had faced closures multiple times in recent months, including a nine-day shutdown in September due to clashes between border forces.
Radio Pakistan reported today that the reopening was specifically for “commercial consignments.” The decision was made during a meeting between the Afghan consul general and Pakistani authorities in Peshawar. Customs authorities stated that the first cargo vehicle had already entered Pakistan through Torkham, with Afghan drivers granted visa and passport relaxations until March 31. However, starting April 1, no cargo vehicle will be allowed entry without proper travel documents.
The decision to relax visa requirements was reportedly made at the request of Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who recently visited Kabul and discussed bilateral trade and other issues with the Afghan government.
Business leaders from both nations expressed concerns over the border closures, emphasizing the daily losses of about $100,000 and alleging that political reservations often led to trade route closures. Ziaul Haq Sardahi, coordinator of the Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI), highlighted the need for the government to provide Afghan drivers more time to obtain passports. He noted that the closure had left 2,000 to 2,500 trucks stranded on each side of the border, adversely affecting trade not only with Afghanistan but also with Central Asia. Multiple other crossings to Afghanistan, including Chaman, Ghulam Khan Kelay, Angoor Adda, and Kharlachi, also remain closed.
