By Mehrab Shah Afridi
TORKHAM: The Torkham border has become a hotspot of unrest as customs clearing agents, traders, and transporters protest against the Temporary Admission Documents (TAD) policy. Demonstrators have organized a strike that includes road blockades, tire burnings, and the erection of makeshift tents at the border crossing.
Protesters argue that the current TAD policy is adversely affecting trade and exports, leading to factory closures and significant negative impacts on multiple sectors, particularly transporters. They claim the restrictive policy is limiting their access to the Afghan market and disrupting cross-border trade. As a result, the flow of goods between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been significantly impeded, causing delays on both sides of the border.
The demonstrators are calling for a revision of the TAD policy to permit cargo vehicles to cross the border using temporary tokens. They argue that the existing restrictions are creating barriers to trade and harming their businesses. Major commercial routes near Zero Point have been blocked, exacerbating the disruption to trade between the two countries.
The strike is being led by Mirajuddin Shinwari, Chairman of the Customs Clearing Agents Association, and Amil Shinwari, President of the association, alongside leaders from various transporters’ unions. They are pressing the government to address their concerns urgently and implement measures to facilitate trade and economic activities.
The protesters have issued a stern warning that if the situation is not resolved promptly, it could lead to a decline in exports, further factory closures, and substantial economic losses for both the national economy and the border community. The ongoing disruptions highlight the critical need for policy reforms to prevent further economic damage and restore normal trade operations at the border.
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