Trade along the Pak-Afghan border at Torkham has been suspended after authorities reinstated travel document requirements for Afghan cargo truck drivers. In response, Afghan authorities have stopped all vehicle movements into Pakistan.
A customs official explained that the Pakistan government had implemented visa and travel document requirements on January 1, 2024. However, an exemption was granted at the request of the Afghan government, lasting until July 31.
“Today, with the six-month exemption period ending, the Afghan side has been informed that travel document requirements will be reinstated from Thursday,” an official told The Express Tribune. “Further entry into the country will not be allowed without visas and passports,” he added.
As a result, Afghan authorities have halted the movement of cargo vehicles and suspended trade activities at the Torkham crossing until further notice.
“Pakistani drivers are allowed to enter Afghanistan without travel documents, while Pakistan has forced us to suspend trade activities. In protest, all trade activities through Torkham will be suspended until further orders,” an Afghan official said.
