37 vehicles carrying goods reach Afghanistan

Trade activities between Pakistan and Afghanistan were restored on Friday as 37 vehicles loaded with transit commodities crossed to Afghanistan via Torkham border crossing.

The official in Torkham told that as many as 37 trucks and containers loaded with various merchandise goods including sugar, beverages ,peanuts etc. crossed the border to Afghanistan, unloaded the consignments near the Afghan custom house and returned back to Pakistan.

Sources said about 30 loaded vehicles on each day will cross the Torkham bordering point. As 300 to 350 vehicles are stuck in various parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, sources added.

Before leaving the vehicles terminal in Torkham, the drivers wore the safety dresses and fumigation spray was conducted at every vehicle to curtain menace of Covid-19.

The statement said that the step has been taken with consultation of the both sides and on special request of the Afghan government.

It is pertinent to mention here that the trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan halted in March following the coronavirus pandemic outbreak, pushing Islamabad to shut land borders with neighbours to stem the spread of the infection.

In the aftermath of the notification issued by foreign office to resume transportation of cargo goods, the spokesperson of foreign office in press release issued on 8 April, 2020 stated that the Torkham and Chaman bordering points will be opened thrice a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) and will be functioned from April 10, 2020.

On the other hand, the Torkham border was suspended for passengers crossing following remained open for four days to facilitate Afghan nationals willing to move to their native country.