The visa policy has had a significant impact on traders at the Torkham border crossing, causing significant disruptions and financial losses. According to some news reports

Due to the closure of the border, four billion dollars are being lost daily. The traders of Peshawar are facing bankruptcy”

As a result of recently imposed visa restrictions on truck drivers, approximately 3,000 trucks are stranded at the Torkham border crossing, the busiest between Afghanistan and Pakistan, interrupting trade. The new visa policy, which requires truckers to have valid visas on their passports, has suspended border trade, causing significant losses for traders in both countries.

The closure has had a particular impact on perishable goods, with some transporters choosing to return to Peshawar to avoid spoilage. The situation has raised concerns about the possible permanent closure of key border crossings, which could have far-reaching consequences for bilateral trade and economic relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Local transporters have urged Pakistani officials to be flexible in implementing the visa policy, pointing out that these restrictions would have a negative impact on bilateral trade and result in significant financial losses.

The closure of the Torkham border crossing has also resulted in a massive sit-in at the Chaman border crossing, the second busiest between the two countries, that has lasted three months in protest of the new visa policy for informal cross-border traders.

Also Read: Chaman Protests continue against Pakistan’s border visa policy

The impact of the visa policy has caused significant concern among traders, with efforts underway to address the challenges posed by the new restrictions and resolve the current impasse.