The Torkham gate, a major border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan, has remained closed for the fourth consecutive day, leaving thousands of people, particularly patients, in dire conditions.
Patients and their relatives, including elders, women, and children, are facing severe challenges, some citizens told Amu.
“We are facing very serious problems at the Torkham crossing. Ten families are here at Torkham, waiting to cross into Pakistan to get medical treatment for their patients. We ask the government of Pakistan to reopen this crossing as soon as possible,” said Haji Rasul, a resident of Faryab.
“We are facing very serious problems at the Torkham crossing. Ten families are here at Torkham, waiting to cross into Pakistan to get medical treatment for their patients. We ask the government of Pakistan to reopen this crossing as soon as possible,” said Wahidullah, a resident of Nangarhar.
Some drivers expressed criticism of Pakistan, saying they have not been allowed to cross the Torkham border for the past four days.
“For the past five days, I have not been allowed to cross the Torkham border. Like me, dozens of other drivers are stranded on both sides of the border,” said Nadirshah, a driver.
Pakistani officials at the Torkham crossing stated that efforts are underway to reopen the crossing on Monday after completing an electronic system within the passport and visa entry departments.
“The Torkham crossing has been closed for three days. However, round-the-clock efforts are ongoing to install electronic systems in the new building as soon as possible,” said Ibrahim, head of technical affairs at the Torkham crossing. “Despite our serious efforts to set up the systems, we need another day to transfer and install the migration system in the new building.”
The Torkham crossing is one of the main routes between Afghanistan and Pakistan, facilitating the commute of thousands of people and serving as a trade route between the two countries.
The gates were closed four days ago due to the relocation of passport and visa checking departments on the Pakistani side, Pakistani officials said. The gate is expected to reopen on Monday.
