The BRICS TimesAfghan and Pakistani transporters are stuck at the Torkham border. This situation has persisted since October 13. The ongoing political tension closed the crossing. Hundreds of drivers now face serious financial and mental distress.
Afghan and Pakistani transporters are appealing to authorities. They are stranded on the road towards the Torkham border. They ask that trade be kept separate from political and security matters. Cross-border movement completely stopped on October 13. This happened due to ongoing tension between both nations. Transporters told local media about their great suffering. They are running out of money quickly. They also feel quite helpless, both physically and mentally.
Stranded Cargo and Uncertain Future
The large Pakistani newspaper Dawn quoted the stuck transporters. They reported that roughly 4,000 to 5,000 cargo vehicles are waiting. These vehicles carry many different goods. They are all waiting for the border to open again. However, there is no fixed date for resuming trade relations. Drivers list many problems they are facing. These include securing their goods and personal safety. They also suffer financial loss and mental strain. This mental strain comes from a shortage of food and water.
Transporter Union Troubles
One local transporter spoke to the newspaper. He said their money ran out in the past two weeks. The money was spent on food, water, medicine, and truck upkeep. He added that no so-called ‘Transporter Union’ asked about their problems. Brokers and cargo owners are ignoring their financial hardship. They refuse to unload the current consignment. This is to protect themselves from further loss. Securing the loaded vehicles is difficult for the drivers. They struggle to arrange food and water. Sleeping on the harsh road surface is also tough. Sadly, they have no other options available. Their worries surfaced after the October 11 escalation. This was when blasts occurred in Kabul. Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi was in India then. The Taliban reacted with a deadly attack at the Pakistan border.
Rivals Agree on Ceasefire
The two countries agreed on a ceasefire after tough fighting. The intense fighting lasted for over a week. Several people died and hundreds were injured during this time. Pakistan blames the Taliban for allowing several groups to operate. These include the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). These groups have “safe havens” inside Afghanistan. Kabul has strongly rejected these accusations. The Taliban blamed Pakistan’s aggressive actions. They cited airstrikes on Kabul as a cause for the conflict’s escalation.
