Pakistan-Afghanistan Torkham border: In a major setback for Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, the Torkham border crossing which serves as a crucial trade route between the Asian countries has been closed for the fifth straight day as of Wednesday. The halting all commerce and travel between Pakistan and Afghanistan has significantly affected the economic activities in both nations, causing a total loss of USD12 million. Here are all the details you need to know about the current trade disruption at the border.
Financial loss of around USD 12 million
Customs officials estimate that the suspension of trade for the last four days has led to a financial loss of around USD12 million. Additionally, immigration authorities indicated that approximately 10,000 individuals cross the Torkham border every day, with the closure leaving many stranded on both sides, according to Geo News.
Muhammad Mujeeb Khan Shinwari, the president of the Torkham Customs Clearing Agents Association, mentioned that several rounds of discussions have occurred between the border officials of Pakistan and Afghanistan, as reported by Geo News.
Geo News also noted that Customs Collector Mateen Alam participated in the negotiations, expressing hope that an agreement to reopen the border would be reached soon.
Local merchants and daily labourers have been particularly hard hit. A trader named Qari Nazeem Gul pointed out that around 800 daily wage earners rely on this crossing for their income, with many now facing difficulties due to the prolonged closure, as highlighted in the Geo News report.
Why Torkham border was shut down?
The Torkham border was shut down on February 22 for all forms of movement following heightened tensions between the forces of Pakistan and Afghanistan over the Afghan construction of a bunker near Zero-Point, according to Geo News.
Several media reported that Afghan troops attempted to build a bunker in a disputed region close to the border, leading to a response from Pakistan’s Frontier Corps (FC), as stated by Geo News.
The report from Geo News revealed that both parties have bolstered their positions, and Pakistani authorities have moved customs, immigration, and police personnel from Torkham Bazaar to Landikotal as a precaution. Both sides have adopted defensive stances, raising concerns about a potential armed conflict.
(With inputs from agencies)
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