TORKHAM, Afghanistan — The prolonged closure of the Torkham crossing has inflicted severe economic losses on truck drivers, who report that their shipments of fruits and vegetables have spoiled.
Drivers have attributed the closure to Pakistan’s enforcement of a requirement for a “temporary entry permit” for commercial truck drivers. Some drivers, however, allege corruption among Pakistani officials at the border, claiming that paying $400 to Pakistani police can result in the immediate reopening of the gate.
For several days, trucks carrying fruits, vegetables, and other goods have been stranded on both sides of the crossing. Drivers, who have been waiting for over five days, are urging the governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan to show flexibility in their agreement to alleviate the situation.
“The fruits and vegetables are spoiling, and we have been waiting here for five days,” said Rahmatullah, a driver. “The governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan should show some flexibility in the agreement because it has caused us serious problems.”
Hundreds of commercial trucks are stuck, and the excessive heat is causing the perishable goods to rot. The increasing number of stranded vehicles is also contributing to a rise in traffic accidents.
“There isn’t a day without a traffic accident and someone getting killed. People have died, and the trucks have suffered massive damages. This is a very serious problem for us,” said Abdul Rahman, a driver.
Some drivers have reported rampant bribery among Pakistani police.
“This closure of the gate is very problematic for us. We are forced to deal with it. We spend one month on the other side of the crossing and another month on this side. There are no facilities for us. If you pay $400, the road will be reopened for you, but if you pay $100, you won’t get through even in three months. Bribery is rampant,” said Abdul Wadood, a driver.
In April, the Taliban and Pakistani government agreed to implement a temporary entry permit through the Torkham crossing. However, the deadline for this decision has passed, leading Pakistan to halt hundreds of trucks carrying fruits and vegetables belonging to Afghan traders at the Torkham, Spin Boldak, and Kharlachi crossings.
