ISLAMABAD: The Torkham border between Pakistan and Afghanistan remained closed for the second consecutive day on Sunday amid escalating tensions between the two nations.
Sources say the closure has halted trade and suspended pedestrian movement, causing significant challenges for travelers and businesses on both sides. Hundreds of passengers, including women and children, were stranded on the first day, waiting for clearance to cross. With no clear indication of when the border would reopen, many were forced to spend the night in uncertain conditions.
A large group of passengers gathered outside the Torkham immigration center, still awaiting clearance, but there have been no official announcements or negotiations regarding the border’s reopening. The closure has also disrupted trade, with trucks loaded with goods stuck on both sides, raising concerns among traders and transporters.
Qari Nazim Gul Shinwari, a member of the Torkham customs association and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) leader, highlighted that the repeated closures of the Torkham border result in millions of rupees in financial losses for both countries. He called for a resolution through dialogue and urged authorities to allow the passage of women, children, and patients.
The Torkham border was shut on Saturday due to rising tensions between Pakistani and Afghan forces over the construction of a bunker by Afghan forces near Zero-Point. Afghan forces had attempted to build the bunker in a disputed area, prompting Pakistan’s Frontier Corps (FC) to respond. Both sides have since reinforced their positions, and Pakistan has relocated customs, immigration, and police personnel from Torkham Bazaar to Landikotal as a precaution.
The closure of Torkham, a crucial trade route, has become a frequent source of disruption, severely impacting economic activities in both countries.
