A weeklong closure of the Torkham crossing has disrupted bilateral trade and the movement of people, resulting in financial losses for traders and difficulties for stranded individuals.
The key crossing point has been shut since February 21 after Pakistan closed it in response to a dispute over Afghanistan’s construction of military facilities, Associated Press reported.
Since the closure, over 5,000 trucks and vehicles loaded with goods, including fruits and vegetables, have been stranded on both sides, awaiting the reopening of the trade route, according to Ziaul Haq Sarhadi, director of the Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Torkham is a vital trade corridor connecting Pakistan with Central Asian countries. Sarhadi urged both nations to resolve the dispute swiftly to restore bilateral trade and ease the movement of people.
Meanwhile, Afghan officials say that Pakistani authorities have told them they will not reopen the gate until the construction of facilities is halted.
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