CLOSURES at Torkham — the key crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan — have become all too frequent. In the latest development, the border crossing has been shut for transporters since Saturday, after the authorities reportedly called for Afghan transporters to acquire visas for entry to Pakistan. Pedestrian traffic at the border has not been affected. The Afghan Taliban administration has imposed similar restrictions for Pakistani transporters. Officials from both sides have been holding negotiations to end the deadlock, but thus far, there has been no success. Transporters and traders, meanwhile, complain their business is suffering due to the closure. There have been several such closures of late. In fact, Torkham remained closed to all traffic for more than a week last September after border forces clashed over the construction of an apparently illegal structure erected by the Afghan side.

The problem at Torkham can be viewed from the larger lens of poor Pak-Afghan ties. Though initially, there was a feeling that the new rulers in Kabul would provide Pakistan a friendly neighbour to the west, ties have been testy between Islamabad and the Taliban. Among the key reasons for this is Pakistan’s assertion that TTP terrorists are finding shelter on Afghan soil. The Torkham closure is an extension of this mistrust. Pakistan has valid reasons to ask all those entering the country to provide travel documents, particularly from a security point of view. However, the process for border crossing, both for traders and other visitors, should be transparent and streamlined. Officials from both sides need to hammer out SOPs that ensure there are no more misunderstandings. While Pakistan is a key gateway for Afghan traders, this country also benefits from access to Afghanistan, and beyond to Central Asia. Therefore, a solution needs to be found through diplomatic channels so that trade traffic continues unhindered, and Pakistan’s concerns are also addressed satisfactorily.

Published in Dawn, January 17th, 2024