The Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan reopened on Wednesday after a month-long closure due to Afghan construction activities. This significant reopening is expected to restore trade valued at over $1.6 billion in 2024. Officials from both sides emphasize the importance of separating political issues from trade to strengthen economic ties.
On Wednesday, the Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan reopened following a closure that lasted nearly a month. Officials from both nations confirmed this development, which will facilitate the resumption of trade activities between the two countries. The crossing had been shut since February 21 due to construction activities initiated by Afghan authorities along the border, which resulted in halted trade and movement.
The Torkham crossing serves as a vital transit route for both goods and travelers between Pakistan and Afghanistan, being particularly significant for trade valued at over $1.6 billion in 2024. Naheed Khan, a senior police official in Khyber district, remarked, “The Torkham gate has been reopened for transport.” Furthermore, Hazrat Nabi Toor, an Afghan customs clearing agent, confirmed the initiation of truck movement between the nations.
Hajji Hikmatullah, the Torkham gate commissioner in Afghanistan, noted that the reopening would assist trucks that had been stranded on both sides. He stated, “The Torkham route between Pakistan and Afghanistan that remained closed will reopen today at around 4:00 p.m. while passengers’ movement through the border will start from Friday.” He encouraged both nations to develop a strategy to dissociate political issues from business to strengthen economic ties.
Asghar Ali, a customs clearing agent from Pakistan, highlighted the economic impact of the closure, stating, “This border closure inflicted millions of dollars of losses on businessmen. Trade should not suffer in diplomatic and political wars between the two countries.” Historically, border conflicts have disrupted key crossings like Torkham, leading to significant delays in both trade and personal movement.
The recent closure escalated into a skirmish, resulting in injuries to three Pakistani civilians, as reported by a police official. This reopening occurs amid tense relations between Kabul and Islamabad, attributed to increased militant attacks in Pakistan’s border provinces. Islamabad has accused Afghanistan of harboring militant groups responsible for these attacks, claims that Afghan officials refute, insisting that Pakistan address its internal security challenges.
The Torkham border crossing’s reopening marks a crucial step towards restoring trade and movement between Pakistan and Afghanistan after a month-long closure. Both nations are urged to separate political disputes from economic relations to enhance ties and mitigate losses incurred during the border closure. The recent tensions and conflicts at the border underscore the necessity for a collaborative approach to resolving security concerns while maintaining essential trade relations.
Original Source: www.arabnews.pk
