As officials from both sides attempt to broker a solution, a crucial border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan remained closed for a third day, stranding thousands of goods vehicles and causing business losses.
Torkham, the primary point of transit for travelers and goods between Pakistan and Afghanistan, was closed by Taliban authorities on Sunday.
"Trade businesses in Pakistan and Afghanistan have been suffering as a result of the closure of the border crossing. The director of the Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Zia-ul-Haq Sarhadi, stated, "There are long queues of heavy trucks stranded on both sides of the border."
He stated that since Sunday, up to 6,000 goods-laden trucks had become stuck on both sides.
Although officials on both sides have stated that they are in discussions to resolve the issue, the reason for the closure was not entirely clear. On Monday, a provincial Taliban official told Reuters that Pakistan had not lived up to its promises to allow travelers, sick people seeking treatment, and transit to cross.
After Taliban authorities closed the main border crossing in Torkham, Pakistan, on February 21, 2023, trucks carrying supplies for Afghanistan are seen stranded. PHOTO: However, the incumbent government has not made any public statements regarding the issue. As indicated by sources, the public authority had not been informed the explanation in front of the conclusion.
According to Sarhadi, Afghanistan got most of its supplies from Pakistan, and many trucks used Afghanistan as a transit point to get to Central Asia.
He stated, "The traders, especially those providing fresh food items like fruits and vegetables, are facing losses as trucks have been stuck on the way for the past three days."
After Taliban authorities closed the primary border crossing in Torkham, Pakistan, on February 21, 2023, a man walks past trucks that are carrying supplies for Afghanistan and are seen stranded. PHOTO: REUTERS He added that some trucks had been diverted to a smaller border crossing, but merchants were concerned about the safety of truck drivers going there.
On Monday morning, residents reported hearing a lot of gunfire near the Torkham border crossing. However, a Taliban official denied any fighting and said the situation was under control.
The 2,600-kilometer (1,615-mile) border has long been a source of contention for the neighbors.