Torkham border to require passports for drivers
By Sudhir Ahmad Afridi
KHYBER: Authorities at the Torkham border have reinstated the requirement for both Afghan and Pakistani drivers to possess valid passports and visas, effectively ending the temporary relaxation that previously allowed cross-border trade with temporary documents. This decision is set to take effect after May 30, when the facility permitting the use of Temporary Admission Documents (TAD) for transporting commercial goods will expire.
From that point onwards, no driver will be allowed to enter without the proper travel documentation, which includes a valid passport and visa. To ensure a smooth transition, the Torkham administration has placed banners at the border, notifying transporters in advance and urging them to arrange the necessary documents before the deadline.
In response to the new policy, both Afghan and Pakistani drivers involved in cross-border trade have appealed to the government to establish visa issuance facilities directly at the Torkham border. They argue that such a measure would alleviate the logistical challenges faced by transporters and help facilitate smoother bilateral trade between the two countries.
By Sudhir Ahmad Afridi
KHYBER: Authorities at the Torkham border have reinstated the requirement for both Afghan and Pakistani drivers to possess valid passports and visas, effectively ending the temporary relaxation that previously allowed cross-border trade with temporary documents. This decision is set to take effect after May 30, when the facility permitting the use of Temporary Admission Documents (TAD) for transporting commercial goods will expire.
From that point onwards, no driver will be allowed to enter without the proper travel documentation, which includes a valid passport and visa. To ensure a smooth transition, the Torkham administration has placed banners at the border, notifying transporters in advance and urging them to arrange the necessary documents before the deadline.
In response to the new policy, both Afghan and Pakistani drivers involved in cross-border trade have appealed to the government to establish visa issuance facilities directly at the Torkham border. They argue that such a measure would alleviate the logistical challenges faced by transporters and help facilitate smoother bilateral trade between the two countries.
