PM Khan to inaugurate Torkham border today

PESHAWAR: Prime Minister Imran Khan will officially inaugurate the Torkham border between Afghanistan and Pakistan on Wednesday.

According to sources, all preparations have been completed to open the Pak-Afghan border while Prime Minister Imran Khan will be the chief guest on the occasion.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Shah Farman, Chief Minister Mahmood Khan, and Arbab Shahzad will be among those who will accompany the prime minister.

The opening of the Pak-Afghan border is aimed at promoting bilateral trade and economic activities between the two countries. The border has been opened on a trial basis for 24 hours since 2nd September.

Earlier on 14th September, the prime minister postponed the inauguration of the Torkham border due to his hectic schedule.  The opening of the border will increase bilateral trade between the two countries.

The Pak-Afghan border crossing border has been opened on a trial basis for 24 hours since 2nd September which aims to promote bilateral trade and economic activities between the countries.

Also read:  Pak-Afghan opens Torkham border on trial basis

It is to be mentioned here that around 13,000 people and 1,000 cargo vehicles pass through the Torkham Pak-Afghan border crossing daily.

Earlier in January, the prime minister had ordered the officials concerned to make arrangements within six months for keeping the Torkham border crossing to Afghanistan open 24 hours a day.

In 2010-11, Pakistan’s exports to Afghanistan were $2.4 billion, which fell to $1.3 billion by 2018-19. The total volume of the Pak-Afghan trade has declined from $2.5 billion to below $1 billion.

Torkham is one of the 18 border crossings between the two countries and connects Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber district with Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province. It will now stay open round the clock for the first time in the recent history for cross-border movement.