Pakistan reopens Pak-Afghan Highway after 65-day closure
Local officials in Pakistan have announced that the “Pak-Afghan Highway,” leading to the Torkham border crossing, has fully reopened after being blocked for 65 days. The highway had been closed due to protests by displaced people from the Pakistani military operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The reopening came after “successful talks” between Ali Amin Gandapur, the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the protestors. Gandapur assured that a plan to help the displaced people return home and receive aid will be announced next week.
Sanaullah, Deputy Commissioner of Peshawar, confirmed that the highway is now completely open to traffic. The Pak-Afghan Highway is a vital trade route between Afghanistan and Pakistan, and its closure for more than two months has severely impacted trade between the two nations.
In recent months, the Pakistani military launched a large-scale operation to clear the Tirah Valley of militants. This operation forced many residents to flee their homes. The displaced people blocked the main highway to Peshawar in protest for 65 days.
Around ten days ago, the military announced that it had cleared approximately 46,000 square meters of the area of militants. However, some protestors claim they are still prohibited from returning to their homes.
The reopening of the highway comes at a critical time for Afghan traders, who have been facing significant difficulties due to border restrictions imposed by Pakistani officials. These restrictions have caused major damage to Afghan businesses, especially in the context of ongoing humanitarian struggles.
Additionally, Afghan migrants continue to face forced deportation by Pakistan, adding to the mounting pressures. With the economic and humanitarian situation worsening in Afghanistan, many are left with few options.
The combination of border restrictions forced deportations, and Afghanistan’s deepening crisis has created an increasingly desperate environment for both Afghan traders and ordinary citizens trying to survive under harsh conditions.
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