Ghulam Khan route closure enters 4th day

KHOST CITY (Pajhwok): Drivers and local residents in southeastern Khost province say the Ghulam Khan crossing has been closed for trucks and other vehicles for the past four days.

The route closure follows intermittent clashes between Afghan and Pakistani security forces.

Local businesspeople and drivers complain they have incurred significant losses due to the route's closure.

Najibullah, a driver, told Pajhwok Afghan News, “We loaded raisins from Kandahar, but on reaching Ghulam Khan, clashes erupted again.

“Both sides are suffering, and traders are losing millions. Our raisins have been stuck here for four days,” he said.

Another driver, Zahir Shah, urged both governments to resolve the issue through dialogue. “We’ve been waiting here for four days, and our vegetables are breaking down.

“We hope the authorities will communicate constructively. This issue can't be resolved through conflict but rather through dialogue.”

Nawab Amirzai, director of the Khost Chamber of Commerce and Industry, criticised both governments for choosing politics over business, which, he believes, leads to clashes near disputed border areas.

“Yesterday, we issued invoices for 185 trucks loaded with grapes, dried fruits and vegetables. If we estimate each truck's losses at 500,000 afghanis, which amounts to several million afghanis lost by Afghans.

“We hope our officials will take action to allow stranded vehicles carrying goods that have crossed the zero point at Ghulam Khan.”

Meanwhile, Shabir Ahmad Usmani, director of Information and Culture in Khost, attributed the clashes at Ghulam Khan to misunderstandings and verbal disputes among Pakistani forces.

He added discussions were ongoing between the two governments on reopening the route. “Border skirmishes sometimes stem from verbal disagreements, which are common.

“I believe the Ghulam Khan situation resulted from such a dispute. Negotiations are underway for commercial vehicles’ passage, and I am hopeful of a positive outcome.”

sa/mud