Trade Halted at Torkham Border as Pakistan Enforces Travel Document Rules
Islamabad, Pakistan – Trade has been suspended at the Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan. This decision came after Pakistani authorities started requiring Afghan cargo truck drivers to present travel documents.
In response, the Taliban authorities have halted all vehicular movement into Pakistan. The rule, which was initially implemented in January, had a six-month exemption period that ended on July 31.
An official stated, “Today, as the period of six months has expired, the Afghan side has been informed that the travel documents requirement would be reimposed from Thursday.” He added, “Further travel into the country will not be possible without visas and passports.”
A Taliban-appointed official commented, “Pakistani drivers are allowed to enter Afghanistan without travel documents, while Pakistan has pushed us to halt trade activities. In protest and till further orders, all trade activities from Torkham will be suspended.”
Earlier in March, the Torkham border was closed for pedestrians following a clash between officials of the Frontier Corps (FC) and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). The clash led to the closure of FIA immigration offices in protest. FC sources emphasized that border security is their responsibility and that they keep a close watch on passengers for security reasons.
Doubts Revealed
Torkham Border -: The Torkham Border is a crossing point between Pakistan and Afghanistan. It’s a place where people and goods move between the two countries.
Trade Halted -: Trade halted means that buying and selling of goods between Pakistan and Afghanistan has stopped for now.
Travel Document Rules -: Travel document rules mean that people need to show papers like passports or visas to cross the border.
Taliban -: The Taliban is a group that controls parts of Afghanistan. They make rules and decisions for the people there.
Exemption Period -: An exemption period is a time when certain rules do not apply. In this case, Afghan truck drivers didn’t need travel documents for six months.
Clash -: A clash is a fight or conflict. In March, there was a fight between Pakistani officials at the Torkham border.
