Import crisis strikes Torkham as scanning machine malfunctions

KHYBER: On April 3, 2025, imports from Afghanistan through the Torkham border faced an unexpected halt due to a technical fault in the import scanning machine. This incident is notable as it marks the second occurrence since the reopening of the border. The closure of the border initially took place in the third week of February, spurred by disagreements between Afghan and Pakistani authorities over the construction of a controversial checkpost on the Afghan side. As a result, only empty vehicles stranded on the Afghan side were allowed to pass since imports were suspended. Local importers have expressed frustration regarding the recurring faults in the scanning machine. Despite the machine malfunctioning, the customs terminal operator, the National Logistic Cell, charges a fee of Rs8,000 for every vehicle, whether loaded or empty, raising concerns among traders about the fairness and transparency of the fees. The traders have voiced their demands for a more modern and reliable scanning machine, asserting that this upgrade is essential for expediting bilateral trade and preventing future disruptions. The repeated issues with the scanning machine point to systemic problems in the customs process, which affects not only the local economy but also the broader trade relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The dependence on a malfunctioning machine has serious implications, particularly in light of the critical imports such as coal, soapstone, and fresh and dry fruits. Rebuilding trust between the two nations and enhancing the efficiency of trade operations could require significant investments in technology and infrastructure as well as improved communication and cooperation between authorities. Immediate actions are necessary to prevent further economic losses and facilitate smoother trade operations in the future.