PESHAWAR: The Pakistan Afghanistan Torkham border is expected to reopen today on humanitarian grounds after 50 days of closuer.
After recent border tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan the major trade crossing at Torkham border has remained closed for 50 days. Officials now decide to reopen Torkham border on humanitarian basis.
A day earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said the United Nations has asked Pakistan to review its decision to close the Afghan border.
Addressing a press briefing in Islamabad, Ishaq Dar said the Foreign Office received a request from the UN a day earlier. The foreign minister said the request sought a reconsideration of the closure and that Pakistan may allow essential food items for Afghan civilians after consultations with the national leadership.
Dar said that he would discuss the matter with the military leadership and the prime minister before Islamabad issues a formal response.
The closure has caused long queues of cargo trucks on both sides, leaving thousands of vehicles carrying import, export, and transit trade goods stranded.
According to customs officials, Pakistan exports cement, medicines, fruits, and vegetables to Afghanistan, while coal, as well as fresh and dried fruits, are imported from Afghanistan.
Drivers stranded at the border say that there is no arrangement for food or drinking water, their expenses have run out, and many drivers have fallen ill due to the cold weather.
Read also: Repatriation of Afghan families continues via Torkham border
