Concerns raised over closure of crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan

Traders have raised concerns about the ongoing closure of border crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan, stating this move by Islamabad has resulted in millions of afghanis in losses.

The crossings were closed 9 days ago. Pakistan said it was due to truck drivers and medical tourists not having passports and visas.

Traders meanwhile say that thousands of vehicles carrying commercial goods including perishables have been stranded on both sides of the crossings, including Torkham, which is one of the busiest trade crossings into Afghanistan.

Abdul Salam Javad, the spokesman for the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, said that no progress has been made so far in getting Torkham and other crossings along the Durand line reopened.

Khan Jan Alkozai, an official from the Afghanistan-Pakistan joint chamber of commerce, said on Sunday that all transit routes between Afghanistan and Pakistan are closed and there is no sign of them reopening soon.

Alkozai did not say how much in losses business owners have incurred in the past 9 days.

Torkham crossing was closed on Saturday January 13 to trucks carrying commercial goods and to people leaving for medical treatment.

The Pakistani side has requested visas and passports from truck drivers and patients.