The Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan reopened on Wednesday after a nearly month-long closure due to border construction by Afghan authorities. The closure had suspended cross-border trade valued over $1.6 billion in 2024. Officials confirmed the reopening for truck movement, with passenger movement to begin Friday. Pakistan and Afghanistan must work towards separating business from politics to strengthen trade relations.
The Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan reopened on Wednesday after being closed for nearly a month, as officials confirmed the resumption of trade between the two countries. The closure began on February 21 due to Afghan authorities starting construction work along the border, which halted cross-border trade and movement.
Torkham serves as the main transit point for travelers and goods between Pakistan and landlocked Afghanistan, with trade valued at over $1.6 billion in 2024 per Pakistan’s foreign office. Senior police official Naheed Khan announced the reopening, and Afghan customs agent Hazrat Nabi Toor confirmed the movement of trucks in and out of Afghanistan.
Hajji Hikmatullah, the Torkham gate commissioner in Afghanistan, indicated that the crossing would facilitate stranded trucks on both sides. Passenger movement through the border is set to begin on Friday, and he called for a strategy that separates politics from business to enhance economic relations.
Asghar Ali, a Pakistani customs agent, reported that upon hearing the border had reopened, numerous vehicles loaded with goods began moving towards Torkham. He highlighted the financial losses incurred by businesses during the closure, emphasizing that trade should not be affected by diplomatic tensions.
The Torkham and Chaman crossings have faced previous closures due to clashes between Pakistani and Afghan forces, which have severely impacted trade and movement. Recently, the Torkham closure led to a skirmish that injured three Pakistani civilians, amid rising tensions over militant activities along the border. Pakistan has accused Afghanistan of harboring groups responsible for these attacks, while Afghan officials reject these claims, urging Pakistan to resolve its internal security issues.
The reopening of the Torkham border crossing marks a significant step towards revitalizing trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which had been halted for nearly a month due to political tensions and construction work from the Afghan side. The resumption of movement for both goods and people is essential for both countries’ economies, especially given the substantial trade volume. However, ongoing political strains and border clashes pose a risk to future stability, underscoring the need for cooperative economic strategies that prioritize trade over political disputes.
Original Source: www.arabnews.pk
