Afghanistan has agreed to allow the return of Pakistani trucks that have been stranded inside its territory since the closure of the Torkham border crossing in October last year.
Kabul 24: Pakistani media reported the development, but Afghan officials from the Islamic Emirate have not yet officially confirmed the agreement.According to reports, the decision was reached following recent talks between Hafiz Mohibullah, the Consul General of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in Pakistan, and the Commissioner of Peshawar.
The move is seen as part of efforts to resolve transportation challenges along this vital trade route between the two countries.Under the preliminary agreement, the movement of cargo trucks through Torkham will take place daily from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
The Joint Chamber of Commerce of Afghanistan and Pakistan estimates that around 1,500 trucks are currently stranded, some carrying transit cargo destined for Central Asian countries.
The chamber stated that the return process is scheduled to begin tomorrow; however, it remains unclear whether the governments of both countries will grant final approval for the implementation of this deal.
Naeemullah Safi, Executive President of the Joint Chamber, said: “Pakistani traders have informed us that Afghanistan has agreed to the return of nearly 1,500 stranded trucks, with the process expected to start tomorrow.
Nevertheless, the final decision by both governments is still pending.”Economic analyst Mohammad Nabi Afghan described the news as positive, stating: “The good news is that the situation will return to normal and trade between the two countries will resume.
Afghanistan and Pakistan are important trading partners and cannot easily be replaced by others.”This development comes after Pakistan, four months ago, instructed Afghan transit goods to use routes other than Pakistani territory.
Meanwhile, Afghan traders are also demanding the release of their own trucks stuck inside Pakistan.Zalmai Azimi, an Afghan businessman, commented: “Pakistan’s proposal to allow its lorries to return is a positive step.”Nearly nine months have passed since the closure of the trade border crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The prolonged shutdown has caused heavy financial losses for traders, transport companies, and the economies of both nations, while disrupting regional supply chains.
All eyes are now on the official response from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and final confirmation from Islamabad to determine whether this preliminary agreement will be put into action.
A full and sustainable reopening of Torkham could mark a turning point in restoring commercial ties between the two neighbors.
