Pakistan closes Torkham border for Cargo trucks due to visa dispute
On Friday night, Pakistan decided to close the Torkham crossing for cargo trucks from Afghanistan due to a visa issue concerning the drivers, as reported by local officials in Nangarhar on Saturday.
The Media and Information Center of Nangarhar has confirmed that discussions are currently underway among officials to find a resolution to this problem.
It is reported that officials from both sides of the border are now requesting visa applications from truck drivers to address the ongoing situation.
Naqibullah Safi, the CEO of the Afghanistan-Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce, has additionally mentioned that Pakistani authorities have reiterated their stance of not permitting drivers without valid passports and visas.
Earlier in December 2023, the border crossing was closed due to a dispute over the construction of a new gate.
The closure of the Torkham border crossing has halted both travel and traffic, stemming from a verbal altercation between border security forces from both countries.
The dispute revolves around the construction of a new gate near the border crossing, specifically the objection raised by the Afghan Taliban regarding the signboard that reads ‘Welcome to Pakistan,’ as reported by an official at the border.
Taliban objections to the sign installation reportedly prompted Pakistani border guards to close the crossing, a move corroborated by Taliban officials.
The closure of the Torkham border crossing raises concerns among traders, given its vital role in transporting commercial goods between Pakistan and Afghanistan. This closure coincides with Pakistan’s recent efforts to deport Afghan citizens, further adding to the regional complexities.
Meanwhile, the closure of the Torkham border crossing for transit could have implications on trade and traffic between the two countries, highlighting the need for bilateral cooperation to resolve these issues.
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