Transporters hail relaxation of driver changing condition at Torkham border

Mehrab Afridi

LANDIKOTAL: The Pakistan government has issued a formal notification regarding end of condition of change of drivers at Zero Point on Torkham border.

After the new notification, the drivers of both Pakistan and Afghanistan have got permission to enter the other country in their loaded goods vehicles. Previously, the drivers used to be changed at Zero Point as a precautionary measure to avoid the spread of coronavirus.

Local sources said that at least 15 export vehicles and 35 import vehicles crossed the border on Saturday with no change of drivers at Zero Point. Sources said there was some small hindrance on the issue of allowing cleaners along with drivers to cross the border in goods vehicles and movement of vehicles also came to a halt for some time. However, the officials overcame this issue after deliberations.

At a time when coronavirus was spreading rapidly in Pakistan, the government had imposed a condition of change of driver at the border as a precautionary measure. The drivers and transporters were facing difficulties due to this restriction.

The transporters have expressed happiness over relaxation of the condition.

On August 12, the government had announced to end the condition of change of drivers of vehicles transporting goods at Torkham border to further boost trade activities.

Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Afghanistan Mohammad Sadiq said in a tweet that change of drivers will no longer be required at Torkham border. Mohammad Sadiq said the situation of coronavirus has improved in Pakistan, therefore, the government has now decided to end this condition and trade activities will continue with a rapid pace.

The drivers and transporters hoped that the remaining issues at the border will also be resolved soon. Now the traders are making demands of similar facilities at Chaman border.

Pakistan closed all the border crossings with Afghanistan, including Torkham border, in March due to the fears of spread of coronavirus. The borders were gradually reopened after four-month closure after successful talks between the two governments. However, some standard operating procedures (SOPs) were introduced and restrictions were made on the borders to keep out the threat of coronavirus.