The Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan reopened after nearly a month of closure due to construction work by Afghan authorities. The reopening facilitates the resumption of trade valued at over $1.6 billion. Officials highlight the need for a separation of politics from trade to strengthen economic ties amidst ongoing tensions over militant activity.
On Wednesday, the crucial Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan reopened after nearly a month of closure, as confirmed by officials from both nations. The temporary closure began on February 21 when Afghan authorities commenced construction work along the border, disrupting trade and movement between the two countries.
The Torkham crossing serves as the primary transit route for goods and travelers between Pakistan and landlocked Afghanistan, with trade value exceeding $1.6 billion in 2024, according to Pakistan’s foreign office. Naheed Khan, a senior police official in Pakistan’s Khyber district, noted that the Torkham gate is now open for transport.
Hazrat Nabi Toor, an Afghan customs clearing agent, verified the reopening for truck movement in both directions. Hajji Hikmatullah, the Torkham gate commissioner from Afghanistan, stated that the reopening would facilitate the movement of trucks that were stranded due to the border closure, starting at approximately 4:00 p.m. on the day of reopening, with passenger movement set to commence on Friday.
Hikmatullah also emphasized the need for both countries to devise a comprehensive strategy that distinguishes political issues from business interests to strengthen economic relations. Asghar Ali, a customs clearing agent from Pakistan, indicated that upon learning of the reopening, numerous vehicles loaded with fruits, vegetables, and non-perishable goods began heading toward the border crossing.
He remarked that the border closure had resulted in significant financial losses for businesses, asserting that trade should not be adversely affected by political tensions between the two nations. Previous confrontations between Pakistani and Afghan forces resulted in the closure of vital crossings such as Torkham and Chaman, causing severe trade disruptions and halting the movement of people.
Notably, the recent Torkham closure escalated into a skirmish last month, injuring three Pakistani civilians. This development occurs amid strained relations between Kabul and Islamabad, driven by an uptick in militant attacks in Pakistan’s western border provinces. Islamabad has regularly accused Afghanistan of harboring militants that conduct cross-border assaults, a claim the Afghan government has denied, insisting that Pakistan address its internal security issues.
The reopening of the Torkham border crossing marks a significant step towards resuming trade and movement between Pakistan and Afghanistan after nearly a month of closure. The situation underscores the ongoing tensions that impact border relations, with both countries urged to separate political disputes from economic collaborations to foster better ties. The successful transition back to normalcy at this key crossing is crucial for bilateral trade, which is of considerable financial significance to both nations.
Original Source: www.arabnews.pk
