Taliban & Pakistan Impose Restrictions At Torkham Border Crossing
Sources at Pakistan's Customs Department report that both Pakistan and the Taliban have enforced a ban on truck movements at the Torkham border crossing.
Sources at Pakistan's Customs Department report that both Pakistan and the Taliban have enforced a ban on truck movements at the Torkham border crossing.
Initially, Pakistan restricted the entry of trucks with drivers lacking passports. Following this, the Taliban reciprocated by denying entry to Pakistani trucks into Afghanistan.
This mutual restriction has created significant disruptions along this vital trade route. According to sources, a lengthy queue of trucks has formed on both sides of the Torkham crossing since Saturday morning.
Local sources provided images to Afghanistan International showcasing trucks lined up and awaiting passage via the border.
Neither the Taliban nor Pakistani officials have yet made any public statements regarding the restriction on truck movements at Torkham.
Customs sources in Pakistan informed Afghanistan International that Pakistan required commercial vehicle drivers to have visas last year. However, drivers encountered difficulties in obtaining these visas. Following the ineffectiveness of the visa requirement, Pakistan imposed a new rule necessitating a "valid passport" for Afghan drivers. Yet, many of these drivers reportedly do not possess valid passports.
The Torkham border has experienced several closures since the Taliban's ascent to power. The most recent closure happened last month, reportedly after Taliban forces opposed the erection of a sign at the border's entrance, prompting Pakistani border guards to shut it down.
These closures have reportedly caused substantial financial losses to both Afghan and Pakistani traders.
