By The Torkham border crossing, a key trade route between Pakistan and Afghanistan, has remained closed for more than two weeks, causing widespread disruption to regional commerce and humanitarian supply chains. The closure, which followed armed clashes between Pakistani and Afghan border forces earlier this month, has stranded thousands of trucks and left hundreds of drivers struggling to survive in harsh conditions.
According to reports from the border area, transporters have been stuck for days without sufficient access to food, fuel, and shelter. Many are running out of cash as they wait for authorities to resolve the standoff. The prolonged closure has halted the flow of essential goods, including fruits, vegetables, construction materials, and perishable items, leading to rising prices and shortages in nearby markets.
The Torkham border is one of the busiest trade gateways in South Asia, facilitating billions of rupees in imports and exports annually. It plays a critical role in connecting Pakistani industries with Afghan markets and serves as a lifeline for Afghan imports of food, fuel, and construction supplies.
Local transporters and traders have expressed deep concern over the economic fallout. Many small business owners fear bankruptcy if the impasse continues, as idle trucks and delayed shipments are leading to mounting losses. Several transport associations have urged both governments to reopen the crossing immediately or introduce temporary relief measures to mitigate the damage.
Despite repeated appeals from traders, no official date has been announced for the reopening of the Torkham border, and diplomatic efforts between Islamabad and Kabul have yet to yield a resolution.
Observers warn that continued closure could cripple cross-border trade and worsen regional supply chain issues, particularly for Afghanistan, which relies heavily on imports through Pakistan’s trade corridors.
As tensions persist, the Torkham shutdown underscores the fragile nature of Pakistan-Afghanistan trade relations, highlighting the urgent need for stable border management and conflict resolution mechanisms.
