Stranded drivers

The coronavirus pandemic has affected all aspects of life all over the world. Pakistan is no exception. According to a report in this newspaper, more than 3,000 trucks loaded with goods and over 6,000 drivers and fairly large numbers of cleaners and helpers are stranded on either side of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border because of its closure at different points of entry and exit. Around 1,500 trucks at the Chaman border and another 800 at the Torkham border have been stranded for the past one month. The stranded drivers and helpers are facing tough conditions. They have run out of food and money. Their circumstances are so desperate that they are now selling fuel and tyres at throwaway prices to keep themselves alive. Back home, their families are fast running out of food and other necessaries for want of money.

On March 20, the PM had, in a tweet, promised that the government would not leave the Afghan brethren alone in this time of crisis and keep the supply line to and from Afghanistan open. We don’t know much about what is happening to the Afghan people at these testing times, but we do know that those who keep the supply line open between the two countries have been left to fend for themselves. Having been stranded away from home for such a long time they are more at the risk of contracting Covid-19. Drivers and helpers blame official lethargy for their distress. They say on March 28 they had written letters to the PM, governors of the provinces and high officials of the Pakistan Army to allow the vehicles of the Aghan Transit Cargo to cross the border.

The PM had ordered opening of the border for goods transport for three days but due to negligence on the part of the relevant authorities drivers could avail only one day and only 27 vehicles could cross the border. Are the authorities pretending that nothing is happening? We are experts at pretending, however. 

Published in The Express Tribune, March 31^st, 2020.

Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.