Trade has been suspended at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border crossing at Torkham after Pakistani authorities began requiring Afghan cargo truck drivers to present travel documents, according to a report by Pakistan-based The Express Tribune. In response, Taliban authorities have halted all vehicular movement into Pakistan.
In January, the Pakistani government had enforced rules requiring visas and travel documents, but they had agreed to a Taliban request for an exemption until July 31, according to a customs official. The official told The Express Tribune, “Today, as the period of six months has expired, the Afghan side has been informed that the travel documents requirement would be reimposed from Thursday.” He added, “Further travel into the country will not be possible without visas and passports.”
Following the reinstatement of this rule, the Taliban halted the movement of cargo vehicles and suspended trade at Torkham until further notice, as reported by The Express Tribune. A Taliban-appointed official stated, “Pakistani drivers are allowed to enter Afghanistan without travel documents, while Pakistan has pushed us to halt trade activities. In protest and till further orders, all trade activities from Torkham will be suspended.”
In March, the Torkham border crossing was closed for pedestrians following a clash between officials of the Frontier Corps (FC) and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), according to Pakistan-based Geo News, citing security sources. The altercation occurred when FC officials continued to interfere despite being asked to stop, leading the FIA immigration staff to close their offices in protest. FC sources emphasized their responsibility for border security and stated, “FC officials keep a close watch on passengers for security.”