The Torkham Transport Union has announced that the Torkham border crossing has been reopened for the return of Pakistani trucks that had been stranded in Afghanistan.
Azimullah Shinwari, head of the union, said that the crossing was reopened on Thursday, 18 June, to allow Pakistani trucks to return. He added that hundreds of vehicles that had been stuck in Afghanistan have already crossed back into Pakistan through this route.
Despite the reopening, it remains unclear under what mechanism this arrangement has been implemented and how long the process will continue.
Border crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan have remained closed since October 2025 following tensions and clashes between the Taliban and Pakistan. As a result, hundreds of cargo trucks had been stranded on both sides of the border.
The reopening of the Torkham crossing for stranded Pakistani trucks has been welcomed by drivers and traders in both countries, who hope the move will pave the way for the full resumption of commercial traffic.
Zia-ul-Haq, Deputy Chairman of the Afghanistan-Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry, told Pakistani media that Pakistan has suffered losses exceeding $981 million over the past eight months due to the closure of trade routes between the two countries.
He also stated that Pakistan’s trade with the Central Asian countries has been adversely affected, resulting in losses of approximately $220 million during the same period.
The prolonged closure of border crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan has also inflicted significant losses on Afghan traders. In addition to reducing trade volumes, the situation has contributed to higher prices for many goods in Afghan markets.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
