Afghanistan Peace CampaignThe Torkham crossing, which was reopened to cargo trucks last Wednesday, was fully reopened to passengers as well this morning (Saturday).
The deputy governor of Nangarhar told TOLOnews that Pakistan had closed the crossing in response to construction work on the Afghan side of the hypothetical Durand Line. Now that the construction has been completed, the crossing has been reopened for all forms of movement.
Azizullah Mustafah, the deputy governor of Nangarhar, told TOLOnews: “The road has been officially reopened to passengers today, and transit operations are ongoing. The Islamic Emirate is working to prevent the closure of this route because people and traders on both sides are affected, and this crossing should not be politicized.”
Meanwhile, a number of passengers and traders are calling for better facilities at the crossing. Their main demand is for the crossing to remain permanently open.
Kashif Karim, one of the travelers, told TOLOnews: “There are students and travelers on both sides. The road was closed for a month, and we faced serious difficulties.”
Ziaul Haq, another passenger, said: “When such problems arise, they must be resolved through dialogue. Families, students, and travelers on both sides are connected, and when the road is closed, they face major problems.”
Hundreds of cargo trucks pass through the Torkham crossing daily. Traders operating through this route are urging officials in both Afghanistan and Pakistan to resolve the challenges and boost trade between the two countries.
Hamzakhil Otmanzai, a trader in Nangarhar, told TOLOnews: “Our demand from both governments is that trade should be free and kept separate from political disputes. Closing the crossing harms both countries.”
Mohammad Ghalib, another trader, said: “Both countries should stand by each other in a spirit of brotherhood, consider each other’s interests, and respect international trade agreements.”
According to the Chamber of Commerce and Investment, traders on both sides suffered an estimated $70 million in losses during the one-month closure of the Torkham crossing.