LANDI KOTAL: The Torkham trade route remained closed for the fifth day amidst the ceasefire between the border forces of Pakistan and Afghanistan letting thousands of trucks wait and trapping trade activity completely.
Security sources reported that the cross-border firing had indeed stopped after a four-day-situation but the border is still hot. A temporary ceasefire for 48 hours was agreed but no reopening of borders has occurred so far.
Because of the closing, cargo movement and walking over the borders completely stopped. Long queues of vehicles could be seen on either side of the Pak-Afghan highway and coming from both directions, which resulted in significant delays and dramatic financial losses to traders.
As per the border officials, normally at the Torkham border around 2000 trucks for cargo and 10,000 people for travelers are handled daily. The long closure has caused thousands of trucks with perishable goods piling up in the border area, which has raised trade and transport concerns.
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The authorities at both borders are not disclosing any dates for the resumption of trade and transit; meanwhile, the local businesses continue suffering from the disruptions.
