Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – The Torkham border crossing, a vital trade route between Pakistan and Afghanistan, remained closed for the fifth consecutive day on Wednesday, resulting in a $12 million loss to bilateral trade. The closure, which began on Saturday, stems from a dispute over Afghanistan’s construction of a new checkpoint. A flag meeting between border officials on Tuesday failed to resolve the issue.
Torkham, one of 18 crossings between the two neighbors, sees around 10,000 people daily, mostly Afghans seeking medical treatment or work in Pakistan. The frequent closures highlight decades-long border tensions. Despite fluctuating relations, trade has grown recently, with Pakistan’s exports to Afghanistan rising 92% to $504 million in the first half of the current fiscal year, while imports from Afghanistan surged 125.85%.
Relations have been strained since November 2023, when Pakistan launched a crackdown on illegal foreigners, mostly Afghan refugees, and accused Kabul of harboring the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The Afghan government denies the allegations, urging Pakistan to address its domestic issues. The ongoing closure underscores the fragility of trade ties under the 2010 Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement.
