Pakistani customs authorities have introduced a new visa requirement for Afghan cargo truck drivers entering Pakistan, effective August 1.
According to the new policy, cargo trucks without visas are now prohibited from crossing into Pakistan through the Torkham border.
In response, Afghan security authorities have imposed a ban on the entry of all types of cargo vehicles from Pakistan into Afghanistan. This has led to a suspension of bilateral trade activities and left thousands of cargo trucks stranded on both sides of the border.
Prior to this change, Afghan cargo truck drivers had been allowed to enter Pakistan using temporary entry permits instead of visas, facilitating trade between the two countries.
Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary announced that the policy requiring passports for entry into Pakistan has replaced the previous temporary document system. This decision comes amid concerns about terrorist groups, such as ISIS, the East Turkestan Movement, and the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, operating from Afghanistan and posing a threat to Pakistan. The Foreign Secretary noted that Islamabad has frequently raised these concerns with Afghan authorities.
He also highlighted that since the Afghan Taliban took control, there has been an increase in anti-Pakistan activities from Afghanistan. As of July 22, approximately 664,000 illegal Afghan nationals have returned to Afghanistan from Pakistan.
Additionally, the Foreign Secretary mentioned that following the Pulwama attack, Pakistan suspended the Srinagar bus service, imposed a 200% duty on Pakistani goods, and reduced diplomatic missions in New Delhi and Islamabad by 50%.
Despite a visit by former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to India last year, no discussions on bilateral relations occurred. However, tensions along the Line of Control have decreased due to subsequent bilateral consultations. Pakistan has also permitted India to export 40,000 tons of wheat to Afghanistan through its territory.
