Authorities reopened the Torkham-Peshawar highway to traders yesterday (Wednesday, October 16), after two months of closure.
Hamdullah Fitrat, the deputy spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate, said that a conflict along the Torkham-Peshawar route had closed the public road. Small vehicles used alternative routes or subways.
The deputy spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate said: “Authorities didn’t fully close Torkham. A conflict between two tribes on the other side of the Durand Line blocked the main road. Small vehicles used alternative dirt roads, but heavy cargo vehicles couldn’t pass. After resolving the dispute, authorities reopened the road.”
Also See: Torkham Crossing Closure: Heavy Losses for Traders
The Pakistan Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PAJCCI) reported that the closure of the Torkham-Peshawar route lasted for more than two months. This closure has caused losses on both sides.
Naqibullah Safi, the executive director of PAJCCI, told TOLOnews: “Protests closed the Torkham-Peshawar highway for more than two months, causing problems for commercial vehicles.”
Meanwhile, some traders said that the high customs tariffs imposed by Pakistan on export goods remain an unresolved issue.
“The situation has harmed the private sector. In addition to the increased customs tariff imposed by Pakistan, it remains high, and they are charging the same amount,” said Zalmay Azimi, an Afghan trader.
The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment reported that last year Afghanistan conducted about two billion dollars in trade with Pakistan, with exports to Pakistan accounting for around one billion dollars. However, this year the volume of trade has decreased due to problems at the border area crossings.
This news is sourced from [Tolo News] and is for informational purposes only.
