Ghulam Khan route closure causes whopping monetary loss to traders

KHOST CITY (Pajhwok): A number of traders and drivers say the Ghulam Khan crossing in southeastern Khost province has been closed by Pakistan against trade activities over the past ten days, with loaded trucks denied passage.

The Ghulam Khan route in Khost and other trade crossings along the Durand Line were shut by Pakistan after Afghan forces launched retaliatory attacks on Pakistani military installations. Today (Tuesday) marks the tenth day of the closure, with all types of movement halted.

Traders and drivers say hundreds of trucks loaded with fresh fruits and vegetables are stranded on the Afghan side of the border, as Pakistan is not allowing them to cross.

A driver, Niazmian, told Pajhwok Afghan News: “I brought a loaded truck from Sharana, the capital of southeastern Paktika province, and I’ve been stuck here for ten days. All our goods have spoiled; we had to unload them. We’re losing millions of afghanis every day. Now that a ceasefire has been reached, the roads should be reopened.”

Another driver, Mohammad Qadeem, said: “All the goods in these fully loaded lorries have spoiled. My truck was full of apples which have gone bad. We have no options left. We now plead with both governments to allow these vegetable-laden trucks to pass. People are suffering badly.”

Meanwhile, traders say hundreds of cargo trucks use this route daily and its closure has caused them millions of afghanis in financial losses.

Nawab Amirzai, head of the provincial Chamber of Commerce and Industry, told Pajhwok: “Around 500 trucks pass through this route every day, most of them carrying perishable goods. The unfortunate part is that whenever our seasonal fruits and vegetables reach their peak, Pakistan — regardless of whether there is conflict or not — unilaterally closes this route in violation of international transit regulations.”

At the same time, Mustaghfar Gurbaz, spokesman for the Khost governor, told Pajhwok that they remain committed to the principles of good neighbourliness and were working to facilitate traders in the province.

He added: “The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) seeks good relations with all neighbouring countries. It is not our policy to close routes or tie trade with politics. God willing, efforts are being made to create the necessary facilities for trade.”

The development comes after several days of tension between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

On Sunday, during negotiations between delegations from both countries in Doha — mediated by Qatar and Turkey — the two sides agreed to a “comprehensive and meaningful ceasefire.”

A high-level Pakistani delegation is scheduled to arrive in Kabul today to discuss various issues, including bilateral trade, with Afghan officials.

kk/ma