Trade through Torkham suspended

Trade has been suspended along Pak-Afghan border at Torkham after authorities reimposed travel document requirements

Trade has been suspended along the Pak-Afghan border at Torkham after authorities reimposed travel document requirements for Afghan cargo truck drivers. In protest, authorities on the other side of the border have suspended all movements of vehicles entering Pakistan.

According to a customs official, the rules of visa and travel documents requirements were implemented on January 1th, 2024, by the Pakistan government. However, they heeded to a request by the Afghan government and placed an exemption till July 31.

"Today, as the period of six months has expired, the Afghan side has been informed that the travel documents requirement would be reimposed from Thursday" an official told The Express Tribune. "Further travel into the country will not be possible without visas and passports," he said.

As a consequence, Afghan authorities have halted the movements of cargo vehicles and suspended the trade point at Torkham till further orders.

" Pakistani drivers are allowed to enter Afghanistan without travel documents, while Pakistan has pushed us to halt trade activities. In protest and till further orders, all trade activities from Torkham will be suspended" an Afghan official said.