The Torkham Border Closure Hits 25 Days, Trade Between Pakistan and Afghanistan Suffers as the key crossing point remains shut for all forms of bilateral trade on Wednesday. The prolonged suspension has entered its 25th consecutive day, creating massive disruptions for traders and transporters on both sides of the border.
According to customs officials, hundreds of cargo trucks carrying import, export, and transit goods continue to remain stranded, forming long queues stretching across both Pakistani and Afghan territories. The ongoing closure has halted the movement of essential commodities, leaving thousands of tons of goods stuck at various checkpoints.
Pakistan primarily exports cement, medicines, textiles, fresh fruits, and vegetables to Afghanistan, while in return, it imports coal, soapstone, and a range of fresh and dry fruits from across the border. The disruption has caused significant losses to exporters and importers who rely on the Torkham route for daily trade.
Sources reveal that the Torkham crossing handles trade worth an estimated Rs850 million per day, with exports accounting for Rs580 million and imports valued at Rs250 million. This trade flow also contributes approximately Rs50 million daily to Pakistan’s national revenue, underlining the economic importance of the crossing.
Meanwhile, immigration officials confirmed that Pakistan’s deportation drive for Afghan nationals residing illegally in the country continues in phases. Although the Torkham border was temporarily reopened three days ago to facilitate the voluntary repatriation of Afghan refugees, commercial trade remains at a complete standstill.
