KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The World Food Programme (WFP) has raised concerns over the prolonged closure of the Torkham border, saying thousands of trucks, including those carrying UN food supplies, remain stranded.
In a recent report, the WFP said at least 47 trucks carrying 1,200 metric tons of humanitarian aid—mainly food—remain stuck at the border or in Peshawar, Pakistan.
The agency warned that without swift action, food shipments from its warehouse in Peshawar could face further delays. However, if the border reopens, deliveries could resume by mid-March.
Pakistan shut the Torkham crossing on February 21, citing Taliban-led construction activities near the border. The closure has left hundreds of cargo trucks, travelers, and patients stranded, severely disrupting trade and movement.
Meanwhile, talks between Pakistani officials and the Taliban to resolve the border dispute broke down after the Taliban delegation walked out, accusing Pakistan of not taking the negotiations seriously.
The prolonged shutdown has already had a significant economic impact, driving up the prices of essential goods in Afghanistan, where millions are struggling with poverty.
The UN estimates that more than half of the country’s population—around 22.9 million people—require humanitarian assistance this year, with 14.8 million facing acute food insecurity.
