Trade has been suspended along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border at Torkham after authorities began requiring Afghan cargo truck drivers to provide travel documents, according to Pakistan-based The Express Tribune. In response to this decision, Taliban authorities have suspended all vehicular movement entering Pakistan.
Earlier in January, the Pakistani government implemented rules requiring visas and travel documents, according to a customs official. However, they agreed to the Taliban’s request and placed an exemption until July 31.
Speaking to The Express Tribune, an official said, “Today, as the six-month period 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.”
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Following the implementation of this rule by Pakistani authorities, the Taliban has halted the movement of cargo vehicles and suspended the trade point at Torkham until further orders are issued, according to The Express Tribune report. 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 until further orders, all trade activities from Torkham will be suspended.”
In March, the Torkham border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan was closed to pedestrians after a clash between officials of the Frontier Corps (FC) and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Pakistan-based Geo News reported, citing security sources.
According to sources, the conflict erupted after FC officials continued to interfere despite being told to stop. In response, the FIA immigration staff closed offices in protest, Geo News reported. Meanwhile, FC sources emphasized that border security is their responsibility. They added, “FC officials keep a close watch on passengers for security.”
(INCLUDES INPUTS FROM ANI)