Torkham: Preparations are underway to reopen the Pakistan-Afghanistan Torkham trade gateway after an eight-day closure due to border tensions. Customs authorities have ordered all staff to immediately report to duty at the Torkham terminal.
According to Customs sources, a cargo vehicle scanner has been reinstalled at the terminal for clearance operations. The scanner had earlier been removed on the night between October 11 and 12 amid escalating tension along the border.
Officials confirmed that the Torkham crossing was shut down eight days ago following a rise in Pakistan-Afghanistan border tensions.
Meanwhile, Afghan security sources reported that hundreds of travelers have gathered on the Afghan side of the border after receiving information that the crossing will soon reopen.
It is worth mentioning that the Torkham trade route had been completely closed for all movement — both commercial and passenger — due to recent bilateral tensions. Dozens of trucks loaded with fruits, vegetables, and other goods bound for Afghanistan remained stranded inside Pakistani territory.
In addition to Torkham, the Ghulam Khan border in North Waziristan and the Angoor Adda crossing in South Waziristan were also closed as part of the security measures.
