Dozens of trucks carrying fresh fruit and vegetables from Afghanistan have been stranded at the Torkham border crossing for several days, as Pakistani authorities delay inspections, drivers and local sources said Tuesday.
The delays, which Afghan traders describe as intentional, have left perishable goods rotting under extreme heat, forcing merchants to sell their produce at discounted prices in Pakistani markets, often at a significant loss.
Previously, trucks were scanned and cleared to cross the border within five to 12 minutes, drivers said. But in recent days, it has taken 45 minutes to an hour just to clear around ten vehicles per day — far below the normal traffic volume. As a result, some trucks are being held for four days to a week.
“The produce spoils before it reaches market,” one driver told Amu TV. “It’s being dumped in auctions in Peshawar and Islamabad. Sometimes, the proceeds don’t even cover the cost of the crates.”
Truck operators said they have repeatedly lodged complaints with Taliban border officials stationed at Torkham, but have received no response. “We are losing tens of thousands of Afghanis per truck,” one trader said. “No one is addressing our concerns.”
Taliban have not issued an official statement regarding the issue.
