Torkham Crossing Closure Costs Traders $500,000 Daily

The Torkham crossing remains closed by Pakistan for the ninth consecutive day, halting all movement.

The Nangarhar Chamber of Commerce and Investment reported that the ongoing closure results in a daily loss of approximately $500,000 for Afghan traders. Officials from the chamber are urging Pakistan to reopen the crossing.

Shakerullah Safi, CEO of the Nangarhar Chamber of Commerce and Investment, stated: “The Torkham route is still closed, causing Afghan traders to incur losses of $500,000 daily. This is the ninth day of the closure. Thousands of freight trucks are stranded on both sides, and Afghan traders are facing millions of dollars in damages.”

“For several days, discussions have been ongoing on the Pakistani side of Torkham, but no results have been achieved. What does this situation mean? Officials from Islamabad and Kabul must meet and resolve this issue through diplomatic channels,” said Zalmay Azimi, a trader.

Meanwhile, several drivers and passengers expressed frustration over the closure, stating that it has caused serious hardships.

“Due to the incompetence of both governments, we have endured severe difficulties. Both sides must show goodwill and reopen the crossing for travelers,” said Shahbaz, a passenger.

“They should resolve this issue among themselves and not create such problems for us because we have suffered a lot on these routes,” said Abdul Hakim, a driver.

Local Torkham authorities said they have held discussions with their Pakistani counterparts to negotiate the reopening of the crossing and find a permanent solution.

Abdul Jabar Hikmat, Torkham commissioner, stated: “The route remains closed. Those waiting must stay until further notice. The crossing has not reopened yet.”

The closure began last Friday evening when Pakistan blocked all movement at the Torkham crossing after Islamic Emirate forces were seen constructing facilities on their side of the Durand Line.