The Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Union of Nangarhar says that for the past three days, more than 400 trucks loaded with fresh produce have been stuck at Torkham.
Due to delays in the inspection process of commercial goods across the border at Torkham, much of Afghanistan’s fresh fruits and vegetables destined for Pakistani markets have spoiled.
The Union of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Sellers in Nangarhar says that over the past three days, 400 trucks carrying fresh produce have been halted at the Torkham crossing, inflicting heavy financial losses on traders.
Stanagul Sherzad, deputy head of the Nangarhar Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Sellers Union, said: “Every day traders lose millions of Afghanis. Previously, it would take five to twelve minutes to inspect a truck and allow it to pass, but now each truck takes between half an hour to 45 minutes.”
Mirwais Haji Zada, deputy head of the Chamber of Agriculture and Livestock, added: “Every day, very few exports reach Pakistan. The problem is at Torkham. The road at Torkham is one-way, and if it is made two-way, it will create far more facilities.”
Earlier, the Afghan Ministry of Industry and Commerce had announced measures to facilitate fruit and vegetable exports. However, with the arrival of the seasonal harvests each year, Afghanistan’s exports to Pakistan face serious challenges.
A statement from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce read: “Only during the fruit and vegetable season, fourteen hours a day have been allocated for the export of Afghanistan’s fresh fruits and vegetables to Pakistan. This decision was made to facilitate the export process and prevent the spoilage of agricultural products.”
According to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, in the first six months of 2025, trade between Afghanistan and Pakistan reached nearly one billion dollars in exports and imports.
