Torkham crossing reopens after 10-day gap

The Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan opened on Tuesday for commercial cargo vehicles after Islamabad agreed to delay the implementation of its visa regime for Afghan drivers till March 31.

The Afghan authorities closed the border on Jan 13 for trade after Pakistan started the enforcement of its policy of visas and passport requirement for the drivers and their assistance for the vehicles, transporting commercial cargoes into the country.

Sources in the customs at Torkham confirmed cargo vehicles from Afghanistan entered Pakistan after a gap of 10 days, marking the restoration of commercial activities.

Read also: Pak-Afghan border at Torkham set to reopen

They added that the Afghan drivers had been given time until March 31 to make travel documents as per Pakistan’s requirements.

The decision to delay the visa restrictions was taken by the federal government following an agreement reached between the Afghan Consulate General in Peshawar and the relevant Pakistani authorities, according to the customs sources.

Now, the Afghan drivers without travel documents would not be allowed to enter Pakistan from April 1. Officials said that the border crossings in Chaman, Torkham, Ghulam Khan, Angoor Ada and Kharlachi also remained closed during the past 10 days.