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Torkham Border Crisis: Stranded Transporters Plead Amid Pakistan-Afghanistan Tensions

Thousands of transporters are stuck at the Torkham border with no end in sight to the closure that began on October 13. These drivers are facing severe financial and physical hardships while their vehicles remain loaded with trade goods. The situation stems from recent escalations between Pakistan and Afghanistan following tensions that erupted in early October. Both sides have accused each other of aggressive actions while ordinary traders bear the brunt of political disputes.

Key Points: Stranded Transporters Suffer at Closed Torkham Border Crossing

  • Around 4000-5000 vehicles carrying trade goods stranded at closed border
  • Transporters facing food, water shortages and security concerns
  • Many have exhausted funds for basic necessities and vehicle maintenance
  • Border closure follows escalated tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan
2 min read

Transporters suffer due to Torkham border closure amid Afghanistan-Pakistan tensions

Thousands of Afghan and Pakistani transporters face severe hardship as Torkham border remains closed since October 13, with 4000-5000 vehicles stranded amid political tensions.

"We have been suffering a lot, running short of money and also facing physical and psychological issues - Stranded Transporters"

Islamabad, Oct 27

Afghan and Pakistani transporters stranded on the road leading to Torkham border, which remains closed since October 13, have urged authorities to exclude bilateral trade from political and security issues between the two nations.

The transporters told local media that they have been suffering a lot, running short of money and also facing physical and psychological issues.

Quoting the stranded transporters, Pakistan's leading daily Dawn reported that around 4000 to 5000 vehicles, carrying multiple trade goods, are waiting for the border to reopen with no definite date in sight in the near future about resumption of trading relations between the two nations. Transporters said that they were facing several issues, including personal and goods security, monetary losses, shortage of food and water and continuous mental torture.

A local transporter told the newspaper that said that a number of his fellow transporters had exhausted their money during the past two weeks for arranging water and food, medicines and maintenance of their loaded vehicles. He said that none of the so-called transporters unions had asked them about the problems they were facing while the brokers and goods owners were not considering their financial issues as they refused to offload the current consignment in order to save them from further losses. He said that they were finding it difficult to protect their loaded vehicles, arranging for food and water while also sleeping on the hard surface of the road as they had no option.

Their concerns come after tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan escalated on October 11, days after explosions rocked Kabul while Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi was in India. In response, Taliban launched a deadly offensive along the border with Pakistan.

Both countries later agreed to an immediate ceasefire after more than a week of intense fighting that left dozens dead and hundreds injured.

Pakistan has accused Taliban of allowing hostile groups, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to operate from “sanctuaries” in Afghanistan, a charge denied by Taliban. Taliban has blamed Pakistan's aggressive actions, including airstrikes on Kabul, as the reasons for the escalation of the conflict.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who has family in the logistics business, I can understand their pain. Stranded without money, food, or proper shelter - this is a humanitarian crisis. The transporters' unions should step up and help their members.
P
Priya S
This affects Indian traders too! Many goods from Afghanistan come through Pakistan to India. When borders close, our businesses suffer. Governments should keep trade separate from political issues. Basic humanity first, please.
A
Arjun K
While I understand security concerns, keeping the border closed for so long is extreme. These transporters are sleeping on roads without basic facilities. At least provide humanitarian aid while political issues are resolved.
M
Michael C
This situation shows why regional stability matters for everyone. When Afghanistan-Pakistan tensions rise, it creates ripple effects across South Asia. Hope both sides find a diplomatic solution soon.
K
Kavya N
The transporters' unions should be ashamed! Where are they when their members need them most? Sleeping on hard roads, no money for food - this is unacceptable. Hope local authorities at least provide basic amenities.

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