Pak-Afghan Torkham border crossing shut for traffic

KHYBER: Customs clearing agents in Khyber district on Sunday staged a protest against the sluggish vehicle clearance process, resulting in the closure of the Pak-Afghan highway to all traffic.

Sources said that the agents expressed frustration over the slow vehicle-clearing procedures and subsequently blocked the Pak-Afghan border crossing at Torkhan.

The protest caused a standstill in traffic, leading to extensive queues of vehicles stretching from the Torkham border to Ali Masjid.

Protesters cited the daily influx of vehicles at the Torkham border as a significant challenge. Despite the presence of scanners, vehicle inspections at multiple checkpoints significantly impede operations, they alleged.

The Torkham border, historically a crucial trade route between Pakistan and Afghanistan, has witnessed intermittent closures due to various factors, including security issues, border management challenges, and diplomatic disputes.

Recent closures have disrupted trade activities, leaving people and trucks carrying essential supplies stranded. However, periods of reopening have allowed for the resumption of trade and movement across the border.

Given its economic significance to both nations, the operational status of the Torkham border directly impacts trade flows and the livelihoods of individuals reliant on cross-border commerce.