The Torkham border crossing remained closed for the fifth consecutive day on Wednesday, suspending all trade and travel between Pakistan and Afghanistan, officials confirmed. The prices of vegetables and fruit are surging in Pakistan amid the closure of the Torkham border.
The closure, triggered by tensions over construction in disputed areas, has severely impacted cross-border movement and trade.
Economic and Human Impact
Customs officials estimate that the halt in trade over the past four days has led to a $12 million loss. Additionally, immigration authorities revealed that nearly 10,000 people cross the Torkham border daily, leaving thousands stranded on both sides.
Mujeeb Khan Shinwari, president of the Torkham Customs Clearing Agents Association said that multiple rounds of negotiations had taken place between Pakistani and Afghan border officials. Customs Collector Mateen Alam was also involved in discussions, expressing optimism that an agreement had been reached to reopen the border soon.
Local traders and daily wage earners have been particularly affected. Around 800 daily wagers depend on the crossing for their livelihoods, with many now struggling due to the extended shutdown.
Rising Tensions at the Border
The border was sealed on February 22 after tensions escalated between Pakistani and Afghan forces over the construction of a bunker near Zero-Point.
According to security sources, Afghan forces attempted to build a bunker in a disputed area near the border, prompting Pakistan’s Frontier Corps (FC) to respond.
Both sides have since reinforced their positions, and Pakistani authorities have relocated customs, immigration, and police officials from Torkham Bazaar to Landikotal as a precautionary measure. The heightened military presence has raised fears of an armed clash.
Officials remain hopeful that trade and pedestrian movement will resume soon, pending final clearance from both sides.
