Afghanistan Times
Related Articles
AT News
KABUL – In a setback for trade and diplomatic relations, the busiest border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan remains closed after unsuccessful talks between Taliban representatives and Pakistani officials. The closure, initiated by Islamabad’s imposition of passport and visa requirements for Afghan drivers, has triggered a chain of consequences, with reports emerging of a surge in food prices in Afghanistan.
Mullah Adil, the spokesperson for the Taliban governor in Nangarhar, confirmed that negotiations ended without resolution, leaving the Torkham border crossing shut. This crucial passage connects Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province to Nangarhar in eastern Afghanistan through the historic Khyber Pass.
Khan Jan Alekozai, a senior official of the Afghanistan-Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the significant economic losses resulting from the border closure. Hundreds of vehicles carrying perishable goods, including oranges and tangerines, are stranded on both sides, causing damage to farmers and businesses in both nations.
Stranded truckers, facing a shortage of food and water, are pleading for leniency from Islamabad. Abdul Wali, one of the truckers, expressed concern about the perishable goods he is transporting, emphasizing the urgent need for a solution.
The closure of the Torkham border crossing is part of a broader pattern, with other crossings also impacted. The minor border crossings of Dand-e Pathan and Kharlachi, Ghulam Khan, are reported to be shut, and the second-largest crossing, Chaman, has been closed for over two months.
The underlying tensions leading to these closures include Pakistan’s expulsion of undocumented Afghans and attempts to regulate cross-border movement. The Pakistani government blames the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan for harboring Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants, escalating tensions between the neighboring countries.
As the closure persists, the affected communities, particularly the Pashtun minority, are expressing dissatisfaction. Protests in Chaman and demands for unrestricted travel and improved trade facilities reflect the widespread discontent.
The situation remains fluid, with protest leaders in Chaman threatening a hunger strike if Islamabad fails to address their concerns by January 31. Despite the challenges, Pakistan appears determined to implement its decision to require travel documents for anyone crossing the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. The implications of this ongoing diplomatic standoff are not only affecting trade and commerce but are also exacerbating the humanitarian crisis, leading to a notable increase in food prices in Afghanistan.
