Torkham Border Remains Closed for Third Day, Trade and Travel Disrupted

The closure has severely impacted traders, transporters, and hundreds of laborers who rely on daily work at the border to support their families.

The Torkham border remains closed for the third consecutive day, halting trade activities and leaving passengers and daily wage workers in distress. The closure has severely impacted traders, transporters, and hundreds of laborers who rely on daily work at the border to support their families.

Afghan-bound passengers, including women, children, and the elderly, are stranded at the border, uncertain about when it will reopen. Many have been waiting at immigration centers and waiting areas for three days without any clear information on the situation.

The closure has also taken a heavy toll on bilateral trade. Hundreds of trucks carrying vegetables, fruits, medicines, and essential goods are stuck at the border, causing significant financial losses to traders. Some perishable goods have already been sent back. Business representatives estimate losses worth millions of rupees daily due to the suspension of imports and exports.

Also Read: New Weather System to Bring Rain, Winds, and Snow to Western Pakistan Starting Tonight

Daily wage workers, who assist in cross-border transportation of goods, have been left jobless. Many express their frustration, saying they earn on a day-to-day basis and now struggle to provide food for their families.

Over the past two and a half years, the Torkham gate has been closed nearly ten times for various reasons, repeatedly disrupting trade and travel. The government has yet to issue a clear stance on reopening the border, adding to the anxiety among traders, transporters, and workers.

Affected individuals are urging authorities to hold immediate talks between Kabul and Islamabad to resolve the issue, restore trade activities, and ensure workers regain their livelihoods.