Afghanistan Peace CampaignMujahid said that the Torkham crossing was first blocked by the Pakistani military for commercial trucks.
The Islamic Emirate’s spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid, said that negotiations are underway with Pakistani officials to facilitate the reopening of Torkham crossing for transit trucks.
The Torkham crossing was closed on Tuesday for the 3rd consecutive day.
Mujahid said that the Torkham crossing was first blocked by the Pakistani military for commercial trucks.
“The traders and patients are facing problems. Negotiations are underway and we will see when it will be solved,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Afghanistan, Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce said that in addition to Torkham, Ghulam Khan and Dand-e-Patan crossings have also been closed for commercial trucks.
“On both sides of the Torkham crossing many trucks are stranded. Some of the products are spoiled and there are many transit goods which face fines,” said Naqibullah Sapai, head of the Afghanistan, Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce.
Some Afghan traders expressed criticism toward Pakistan, saying that Islamabad always seeks to put political pressure on Afghanistan by creating hurdles ahead of the Afghan private sector.
They said that the problems created by Pakistan are in contrast with all international norms.
“”Pakistan has so far has acted in contrast with international laws. We call on the Islamic Emirate’s leadership to solve the issue through diplomatic paths,” said Zalmai Azimi, a trader.
Over recent months, the political tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have intensified as Pakistan forced thousands of undocumented Afghan refugees to leave its soil.