The Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan reopened on Wednesday after nearly a month of closure due to construction activities by Afghan authorities. The reopening restores essential trade, valued at over $1.6 billion, and is seen as necessary to aid the movement of goods and passengers, with calls for a separation of politics from business to enhance economic ties.
On Wednesday, the Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan reopened after being closed for nearly a month, officials confirmed. The closure initiated on February 21 by Pakistani authorities was in response to Afghan construction activities along the border, resulting in halted cross-border trade and movement. The Torkham crossing is essential for trade and travel, with bilateral trade valued at over $1.6 billion in 2024.
Naheed Khan, a senior police official from Pakistan’s Khyber district, announced, “The Torkham gate has been reopened for transport.” Additionally, Hazrat Nabi Toor, an Afghan customs clearing agent, reported that truck movement to and from Afghanistan has resumed. Torkham gate commissioner, Hajji Hikmatullah, indicated that the reopening would facilitate stranded trucks in reaching their destinations, with passenger movement commencing on Friday.
Hikmatullah emphasized the need for both nations to develop a “comprehensive strategy” to separate politics from trade, fostering enhanced economic relations. Asghar Ali, a Pakistani customs clearing agent, revealed that upon learning of the reopening, numerous vehicles carrying vegetables and fruits are en route, emphasizing that the closure resulted in significant financial losses for businessmen.
The Torkham and Chaman crossings have previously faced closures due to clashes between Pakistani and Afghan forces. Last month, the Torkham closure escalated into a skirmish that left three Pakistani civilians injured. This situation arises amid tense relations between Kabul and Islamabad, exacerbated by recent militant activities in Pakistan’s western provinces, where Islamabad has accused Afghanistan of harboring militant groups, allegations that Afghan officials have denied, urging Pakistan to address its internal security issues.
The reopening of the Torkham border is a significant step towards resuming essential trade and movement between Pakistan and Afghanistan. It underscores the vital need for cooperative strategies to ensure that economic activities are not affected by political tensions. The emphasis on separating politics from trade could facilitate the development of stronger economic ties, critical for both nations.
Original Source: www.arabnews.pk
