Afghan, Pakistani Transporters Stranded amid Torkham Border Closure

October 27, 2025

Islamabad: Afghan and Pakistani transporters stranded on the road leading to the Torkham border, which has remained closed since October 13, have urged both governments to keep bilateral trade separate from political and security disputes between the two nations.

The stranded transporters told local media that they have been suffering severe financial, physical, and psychological distress, with no clarity on when the border will reopen.

4,000–5,000 Vehicles Stuck Amid Uncertainty

According to Pakistan’s leading daily Dawn, around 4,000 to 5,000 vehicles carrying multiple trade goods are stranded, with no definite date in sight for the resumption of trading relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Transporters reported facing monetary losses, food and water shortages, personal insecurity, and mental stress, as they wait for authorities to reach a resolution.

“We’re Out of Money and Sleeping on Roads,” Say Drivers

A local transporter told the newspaper that many of his colleagues had run out of money after two weeks of buying water, food, medicines, and vehicle maintenance supplies.

He lamented that transport unions had not reached out, and brokers and goods owners refused to offload consignments to avoid further financial losses.

“We are finding it difficult to protect our loaded vehicles, arrange food and water, and are sleeping on the hard surface of the road as we have no option,” he said.

Border Tensions Behind Trade Disruption

The crisis follows heightened tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan since October 11, days after explosions rocked Kabul while Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi was visiting India.

In response, the Taliban launched a deadly offensive along the border with Pakistan. After more than a week of intense fighting that left dozens dead and hundreds injured, both sides agreed to a temporary ceasefire.

Mutual Accusations Deepen the Rift

Pakistan has accused the Taliban government of allowing hostile militant groups, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), to operate from “sanctuaries” inside Afghanistan — a charge denied by Kabul.

The Taliban, in turn, has blamed Pakistan’s aggressive actions, including airstrikes on Kabul, for escalating the conflict and worsening trade disruptions.