ISLAMABAD: After a 10-day closure, the Torkham border crossing connecting Pakistan and Afghanistan has reopened for trade, as announced by authorities on Tuesday.
The first truck carrying goods from Afghanistan has already entered Pakistan.
Negotiations between Afghanistan’s consular general in Peshawar and Pakistani authorities successfully addressed the issue of unlicensed drivers, paving the way for the reopening.
Notably, fruit and vegetables prices which doubled during the border closure will start declining from Wednesday. For instance, tomatoes and onions prices increased close to 300 rupees-kg which will now drop to below 200 rupees within a couple of days. Afghanistan is a major source of fruit and vegetables supplies to Pakistan. Closure of border badly affects their prices in Pakistan.
Meanwhile, a new agreement grants Afghan drivers until March 1 to ensure their documents are in order. Beyond April 1, drivers without the necessary paperwork will be denied entry from Afghanistan into Pakistan.
In an effort to regulate trade, the federal government has mandated that cargo vehicles must possess complete documentation before entering Pakistan.
This decision, initially made on January 13, faced resistance from the Afghan side, leading to the temporary border closure.
Customs sources reveal that despite having proper documentation, numerous Pakistanis had been stranded in Afghanistan.
This development follows Pakistan’s recent operation to expel undocumented Afghan refugees, resulting in over 500,000 individuals leaving the country voluntarily or facing deportation.
Earlier, Commercial vehicle drivers entering Pakistan at the Pakistan-Afghanistan Torkham border were required to possess a visa, in addition to a passport, following a recent announcement by the Pakistani government.
Previously, a passport alone was sufficient for entry. The decision was reached during a meeting between officials from both countries at the Torkham border, emphasizing the need for passports and visas for both passengers and commercial convoys.
Special measures are being implemented to facilitate legal two-way traffic at the Torkham border, with the primary objectives being to regulate trade, enhance security, and combat smuggling activities. The move has garnered support from traders and truck drivers, who believe it will contribute to the well-being of both nations and the business community.
Expressing satisfaction with the initiative, a driver remarked on the positive impact it would have. The use of the globally recognized Visa Implementation Stamp is highlighted as a legal requirement. Customs Inspector Alam Zeb emphasized the equal benefits for both businessmen and the general public through the implementation of the visa stamp.
The government’s new visa policy is expected to streamline record-keeping for individuals entering and exiting the border, providing enhanced control and oversight. Inamul Haque, the in-charge of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), noted the ease with which the new policy would facilitate monitoring and management of border movements.
