The Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been reopened for trade after a 10-day closure, as announced by authorities on Tuesday.
Officials reported that the first truck carrying goods from Afghanistan has already crossed into Pakistan.
In Peshawar, Afghanistan’s consular general engaged in discussions with Pakistani authorities, successfully resolving the ongoing issue of unlicensed drivers.
As part of the new agreement, Afghan drivers now have until March 1 to ensure their documents are in order. After April 1, drivers without the necessary documentation will be denied entry from Afghanistan into Pakistan.
Customs sources revealed that the federal government mandated cargo vehicles to have complete documentation before entering Pakistan. However, when this decision was set to be enforced on January 13, the Afghan side closed the border.
News reports indicated that despite having complete documentation, several Pakistanis were stranded in Afghanistan.
This trade and visa dispute follows Pakistan’s recent operation to remove undocumented Afghan refugees from its territory, resulting in over 500,000 refugees leaving the country—some voluntarily and others through deportation.
