Torkham border closure: Cargo and people stranded on both sides

The present wave of terrorism in the past weeks has led to fumed tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Several attacks in the country have led to more than 150 deaths leaving the people in a mourning state. Pakistan government issued orders of immediate sealing the border with Afghanistan. Both neighbors share trade and cargo across the border but recent incidents have changed the entire situation drastically. The decision was implemented right away which lead to a great chaos on both sides of the border. Hundreds and thousands of Cargo to Pakistan trucks and passenger vehicles and people are stranded in a dreadful condition.

The trucks are rotting with material which was not delivered on time. It is a considerable loss for the economy of both countries as today is the sixth successive day of border closure. People are busy protesting and raising slogans against each government and demanded to take back this decision. The news has made headlines in the afghan electric and print media. But this is not the first time that we have seen such strict measures being taken at Torkham border. The movement at the border has always been effected by the political scene in either of the states.

The government had given strict orders for ensuring fool proof security at check points. An official of customs at the border confirmed that all the crossing points at Torkham border are closed along with other sensitive points in Kurram Agency as ordered by the federal government. Afghan traders have also blamed of being charged with huge taxes on seasonal fruits.

Loss of millions to traders and transporters

The traders are paying a huge cost of this action taken by the Pakistani government. All the trade activities are halted and businesses are suffering from loss of millions each passing day. The Afghan Transit Trade is also stopped. The situation is not getting any better. A custom official said that almost 100 to 110 Afghan transit containers used to be cleared on daily basis at Torkham border which is currently sto

pped. The traders and transporters are suffering from loss that cannot be compensated. The fresh fruit and vegetables loaded in the containers have started to rot inside the Cargo Containers because of being locked for days now.

Locals stuck on both sides

Local people are facing a lot of difficulties. When interviewed, an afghan national who came to Pakistan was stuck in Landikotal in a bad situation and was left with no money to pay for staying at hotel. The guy is disabled by legs. A bride was also stranded with her groom waiting for four days. The girl was then allowed to cross the border for her wedding. The border was also temporarily opened for two dead bodies to be crossed for funeral. These are the few exceptions that were made otherwise people are facing unbearable problems. Passenger vehicles taking passengers to the neighboring country also has small children, women and old people.