The Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan reopened after a month-long closure initiated by construction activities on the Afghan side. The reopening facilitates trade worth $1.6 billion and allows the movement of vehicles and goods. Officials urge for strategies to avoid political interference in trade, amidst ongoing security tensions between the two countries.

The Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan has reopened after nearly a month of closure, facilitating the resumption of trade. The closure began on February 21, when Afghan authorities started construction of trenches along the border, halting movement and trading activities. The crossing is vital for travelers and goods, with trade valued at over $1.6 billion in 2024, according to the Pakistan foreign office.

Officials confirmed that the gate is now open for transportation. Naheed Khan stated, “The Torkham gate has been reopened for transport,” while Hazrat Nabi Toor reported that truck movement to and from Afghanistan has resumed. The reopening is expected to assist trucks that were stranded during the closure, as detailed by Hajji Hikmatullah, who stressed the need for a strategy to separate political disputes from business interests.

In response to the border reopening, numerous vehicles loaded with agricultural goods began heading towards the crossing. Pakistani customs agent Asghar Ali noted significant economic losses due to the closure, emphasizing that trade should not be affected by diplomatic tensions between the nations.

The Torkham crossing has experienced previous disruptions caused by border clashes, which also resulted in civilian injuries. Recently, tensions between Kabul and Islamabad have risen, linked to an increase in militant activities in Pakistan’s border regions. Pakistan has accused Afghanistan of harboring insurgents, while Afghan authorities have countered that Pakistan should focus on resolving its internal security issues.

The Torkham border crossing’s reopening marks a critical step towards restoring trade relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Despite the positive development, underlying tensions persist, influenced by political disputes and security concerns. For sustained economic cooperation, both nations must prioritize defining a clear strategy to separate trade matters from geopolitical challenges.

Original Source: www.arabnews.pk