100s of Trucks Stuck as Torkham Crossing Remains Closed for 16 Days

As the Torkham crossing remains closed for the 16th consecutive day, drivers and displaced families continue to face serious challenges. They have urged authorities from both Afghanistan and Pakistan to reopen the crossing as soon as possible.

A large number of passengers, cargo trucks, and critically ill patients remain stranded on both sides of the crossing.

Mohammad Gul, a driver on the Torkham route, told media: “Hundreds of cargo trucks are stuck here, including transit goods. Some of these items have already perished, causing financial losses for traders. The governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan must find a solution to this problem.”

Another driver, Seyyed Ali, said: “These trucks carry commercial goods that are deteriorating. Please open the road so that the vehicles can pass.”

Meanwhile, sporadic clashes between Islamic Emirate forces and Pakistani military personnel have displaced hundreds of families in Torkham. These families were forced to leave their homes for their safety.

Nasir Ahmad, one of the displaced residents, said: “We are all one people, and we urge both governments to resolve this issue through dialogue.”

Another displaced resident, Rahimullah, said: “Bullets are coming from the other side, and we are forced to flee. We are suffering greatly.”

Azizullah Mustafa, deputy governor of Nangarhar, told media that local-level negotiations have so far failed, and the central government is now working on a solution.

He also stated that the situation in the region is currently stable, but recent Pakistani military attacks have resulted in civilian and Islamic Emirate casualties, as well as financial losses.

During recent clashes, three journalists from Nangarhar were also injured.

Azizullah Mustafa further said: “We had eight people wounded, including three journalists, some civilians, and a few soldiers. On the first day, we had two minor injuries and one martyr. After that, there were no further casualties. Due to the conflict, some families were displaced, and we have provided assistance to them. We have also sent relevant institutions to support them.”

According to the Nangarhar Chamber of Commerce and Investment, Afghan traders are losing approximately $500,000 per day due to the closure of the Torkham crossing.