PESHAWAR: Amid heightened tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, key border crossings, including Chaman, Torkham, Kharlachi, Angoor Adda, and Ghulam Khan, remained closed for the 13th consecutive day, severely disrupting cross-border trade and movement.
Hundreds of cargo trucks and containers are stranded on both sides of the border, causing significant economic losses. Perishable goods such as meat, fruits, vegetables, and juices are reportedly spoiling due to prolonged delays.
According to Customs authorities, limited movement is being allowed at Chaman’s Bab-e-Dosti gate, where only vehicles carrying Afghan nationals are permitted to enter Afghanistan.
Officials confirmed that since the clashes began, around 10,000 Afghan citizens have returned to Afghanistan, while 1,200 empty containers have re-entered Pakistan.
Sources said that debris from recent clashes at border points and affected trade routes has not yet been cleared, further delaying any potential reopening. Authorities are reportedly considering a phased resumption of transit container movement once Bab-e-Dosti is reopened.
Meanwhile, trade remains halted at other major crossings, Torkham in Khyber District, Angoor Adda in South Waziristan, Ghulam Khan in North Waziristan, and Kharlachi in Kurram District, where long queues of stranded cargo trucks can be seen.
The ongoing closure has not only disrupted bilateral trade but also deepened concerns among traders and transporters, who warn that continued suspension could cause severe economic damage to both sides of the border.
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