By Mehrab Shah Afridi
TORKHAM: The Torkham border between Pakistan and Afghanistan has remained shut for fifteen consecutive days, paralysing cross-border trade and passenger movement and inflicting severe economic losses on both sides. Traders, transporters, and local residents have warned of mounting hardship as thousands of cargo trucks lie stranded in scorching conditions, with perishable goods worth millions now spoiling.
Former president of the Border Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Zahid Shinwari, said the prolonged closure is causing “devastating economic damage,” noting that Pakistan and Afghanistan share nearly $1 billion in annual trade, while the daily losses to Pakistan’s economy alone are estimated at PKR 70–80 crore.
The standoff stems from mid-October clashes when Afghan forces allegedly opened fire on Pakistani troops at Torkham, prompting a military response and heightening tensions along the frontier from Chitral to Balochistan. The shutdown has also impacted other key crossings, including Kharla, Ghulam Khan, and Chaman, suspending transit trade worth billions of rupees.
Despite two rounds of talks in Doha and Istanbul to restore border operations, no breakthrough has been achieved. Stranded drivers along the Torkham–Shagai highway have begun Quran recitations, pleading for peace and reopening, as frustration deepens among traders and border communities.
