Pak-Afghan trade: Govt urged to keep Torkham open for longer hours

Traders appreciate PHC ruling terming checking of vehicles illegal.

PESHAWAR: The Torkham Transport Association (TTA) on Thursday urged authorities to extend the time for the passage of vehicles at Torkham border by five hours so that vegetables and other edibles do not deteriorate.

Addressing a news conference at the Peshawar Press Club, TTA Senior Vice President Kheyal Muhammad Khan, along with other members, said they appreciate the Peshawar High Court’s ruling terming the action of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf workers of stopping freight trucks illegal and asked the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government to stop them.



Khan also asked the provincial government to improve road conditions and urged the Torkham border crossing remain open till 8pm rather than 3pm which is the case at present.

Khan said the condition of the Michni-Torkham Road is poor and loaded trucks often run into accidents resulting in injuries and heavy losses for the owners. He added the sole route is blocked for several hours every time there is an incident.

Khan said truck owners pay millions to the government in taxes and in return it should ensure proper roads for transporters. He appreciated the role of the Khyber Agency political agent and Landikotal assistant political agent for doing everything in their power to help transporters.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 28^th, 2014.