Torkham Border Crossing Reopens After Month-Long Closure, Resuming Trade

The Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan has reopened after being closed for nearly a month due to construction activities by Afghan authorities. This reopening is crucial for resuming trade worth over $1.6 billion. Officials emphasize the need for a strategic approach to ensure that political tensions do not hamper economic relations.

The Torkham border crossing, a vital transit point between Pakistan and Afghanistan, has reopened after nearly a month of closure. The border was shut on February 21 due to the Afghan authorities commencing construction projects along the border, which hindered trade and movement between the nations. With the reopening confirmed by officials from both sides, trade activities are set to resume.

The Torkham crossing serves as the primary route for both goods and passengers between the two countries, facilitating over $1.6 billion in trade in 2024, according to Pakistan’s foreign office. Naheed Khan, a senior police official in Pakistan’s Khyber district, stated, “The Torkham gate has been reopened for transport.” Afghan customs agent Hazrat Nabi Toor also confirmed the gate’s opening for trucks traveling to and from Afghanistan.

Afghan Torkham gate commissioner Hajji Hikmatullah emphasized the necessity of a strategic approach between both nations to enhance economic relations. He mentioned that passenger movement through the border would commence on Friday following the reopening at approximately 4:00 p.m. This development is expected to alleviate the backlog of trucks stranded on both sides of the border.

The prolonged closure resulted in significant economic losses, with Asghar Ali, a customs agent, reporting that many vehicles loaded with goods began moving toward the border upon hearing the news of its reopening. He asserted, “This border closure inflicted millions of dollars of losses on businessmen,” highlighting the impact of political disputes on trade.

Historically, border clashes between Pakistani and Afghan forces have prompted the closure of major crossings, disrupting trade and travel. Last month, tensions escalated at Torkham, resulting in violence and injuries to civilians. The reopening occurs amidst strained relations over a rise in militant activities in Pakistan’s border regions, with Islamabad frequently accusing Afghanistan of harboring militant groups, allegations Afghan officials vehemently deny.

The reopening of the Torkham border crossing marks a significant step towards restoring trade and movement between Pakistan and Afghanistan after a month-long closure. The collaborative efforts of officials on both sides underscore the necessity of separating political tensions from economic activities to mitigate losses caused by border disputes. As both countries navigate their complex relationship, stronger economic ties through dependable trade routes could potentially foster improved diplomatic relations in the future.

Original Source: www.arabnews.pk