The Torkham trade route, a vital crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan, has remained closed for the 19th consecutive day, causing severe disruption to trade and pedestrian movement. The closure is a result of rising tensions between the two neighboring countries in the Khyber region.
Border Closure and Rising Tensions
Security sources report that gunfire has ceased over the past two days, yet the border remains shut down, leaving thousands stranded and halting commercial activities. The conflict escalated 14 days ago when Afghan forces began construction in a disputed area along the border, triggering hostilities between Pakistani and Afghan troops.
During the clashes, eight personnel from Pakistan’s Frontier Corps (FC) were injured. Besides this, three Afghan soldiers were killed. Despite repeated warnings from Pakistan, Afghan authorities continued construction work, intensifying the standoff.
Read more: Pakistan’s exports to Afghanistan increase by 92% to $504 million
Severe Economic and Humanitarian Impact
The closure has had terrible financial consequences, with customs officials estimating daily losses of approximately $3 million in bilateral trade.
Daily Imports from Afghanistan – Around $1.6 million
Daily Exports to Afghanistan – Around $1.4 million
Total Trade Loss in 15 Days – Nearly $42 million
The shutdown has also halted pedestrian movement, which typically sees around 10,000 people crossing into Afghanistan daily. Many travelers, including patients seeking medical care and traders transporting goods, have been left stranded on both sides of the border.
Ongoing Military Standoff
The issue saw another escalation on March 5, with heavy cross-border firing at the Torkham-Jalalabad border. The Interim Afghan Government (IAG) is not stopping construction in disputed territory, which is causing further problems between the relations of the two countries despite warnings given from PK.
On 28th of Feb, the border was initially shutdown, disrupting thousands of livelihoods and causing millions of rupees in financial losses for traders. As diplomatic efforts continue, there is still no official timeline for reopening the critical trade route, leaving businesses and travelers uncertain about the future.