After 50 days of deadlock, Torkham Port opens today on a limited basis for humanitarian reasons
The key port of Torkham, which was completely blocked about 50 days ago due to heavy tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, will be reopened on Sunday in a limited manner for humanitarian reasons, Pakistani media reported.
Customs officials announced that during this period, thousands of trucks carrying export, import, and transit goods were stuck on both sides of the border, and queues several kilometers long were formed.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Monday that Islamabad was ready to allow the passage of essential goods and humanitarian aid to the people of Afghanistan after a request from the United Nations and consultations with the country’s leadership.
He stressed that Pakistan’s only expectation from Kabul is that “Afghanistan’s territory does not become a base for terrorism against Pakistan,” a demand that the Islamic Emirate has repeatedly declared will not be used against any country.
The limited reopening of Torkham Port could reduce the heavy economic pressure on traders and people on both sides and pave the way for a full resumption of trade.
Daily trade at Torkham Port is worth an average of 850 million Pakistani rupees, which includes exports of cement, medicines, and vegetables from Pakistan and coal, fresh fruits, and dried fruits from Afghanistan.
Drivers trapped at the border are complaining of a lack of water, food, and proper shelter, and an increase in illnesses due to the extreme cold, and many of their expenses have been incurred
