The continued closure of Torkham crossing has inflicted heavy financial losses on traders on both sides of the Torkham crossing. The Afghanistan and Pakistan Joint Chamber of Industry and Commerce said that since the closure of the Torkham gate, the traders on both sides sustained more than $1 million in financial losses. Traders said that vegetable and fruits are typically exported to Pakistan at this time.
“The Torkham gate has been closed for the past five years due to security issues. The export of goods of Afghanistan to Pakistan in this season includes grapes and vegetables. The products are stranded in trucks at Torkham crossing. Some of the products, especially the fruits, have been spoiled. Some of the fruits are being in Nangarhar,” said one trader.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MoIC) said that negotiations are underway with the Pakistani officials to reopen the Torkham crossing.
Source: tolonews.com
