Trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan via the Torkham border has been suspended for a second day due to unresolved visa restrictions on transporters from both nations. Border officials from the two countries have yet to reach an agreement.
As a result, no vehicles have been allowed to cross the border in either direction since Saturday, although pedestrian movement is not affected. Customs officials have advised local fruit dealers to move their merchandise back to Peshawar due to the ongoing issue.
Pakistan initiated the visa restrictions on Afghan drivers without legal travel documents on Saturday, and Afghan Taliban authorities responded in kind. The situation has also halted bilateral trade at the Kharlaachi border crossing in Kurram, causing financial losses for local traders and transporters.
President of the Torkham Custom Clearing Agents Association, Aimal Shinwari, highlighted the risk to fruit and vegetable exporters due to the perishable nature of their goods. The situation is also causing significant daily financial losses for the national exchequer.
The sudden implementation of visa restrictions has caused traffic congestion at the border and has stranded hundreds of trailers and containers loaded with Pakistani export goods.
Customs officials are currently in contact with higher authorities in Islamabad to resolve the visa issue for Afghan transporters as soon as possible.
Source: dawn.com