KABUL — Trade activity through the Torkham border crossing was once again disrupted this week after a technical malfunction in the import scanning system halted the flow of goods from Afghanistan into Pakistan, Pakistani media reported.
The disruption, which authorities say is temporary, suspended imports of key Afghan exports such as coal, soapstone, and fresh and dried fruits. These goods are typically transported via Torkham, a vital commercial corridor connecting eastern Afghanistan to Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Importers said that while the scanning machine remains out of service, Taliban and Pakistani officials have allowed only empty trucks—stranded since mid-February—to cross the border. The crossing had previously been shut down amid a dispute over the construction of a contested checkpoint on the Afghan side.
This marks the second such breakdown of the scanning equipment since the border reopened, prompting growing concerns among traders over the reliability of border infrastructure.
Local business owners have criticized Pakistan’s National Logistics Cell (NLC), which manages the customs terminal, accusing it of continuing to charge fees despite service interruptions.
“Whether the truck is empty or loaded, we are charged 8,000 rupees,” one trader said. “But with these outdated machines constantly failing, we’re losing both time and money.”
The Torkham crossing had only recently resumed full operations following several weeks of closure due to political and logistical tensions. The latest setback is expected to further strain already fragile trade relations between the two countries.
