The Pak-Afghan border crisis has left thousands of Pakistanis jobless and struggling, as the Torkham crossing enters its 35th day of closure. The economic fallout is severe, with traders warning of an impending collapse and rising crime rates. The border shutdown has disrupted the lives of traders, laborers, and transport workers, who now face unemployment and poverty. The Torkham Labour Union President, Zakir Shinwari, warns that prolonged unemployment is pushing local youth toward crime and illegal activities, calling it a national tragedy. The Customs Clearance Agents Association President, Mujeeb Shinwari, estimates Pakistan is losing millions in daily exports and imports, with thousands of loaded vehicles stuck on both sides of the border. The crisis has also led to a sharp rise in the prices of Afghan produce inside Pakistan, affecting daily food supplies. The situation is dire, with the border authorities confirming that Torkham alone facilitated nearly 10,000 people and over 500 vehicles daily. The newly elected Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sohail Afridi, calls for stronger cooperation with the federal government to improve relations with Afghanistan and curb terrorism. Trade leaders caution that continued border tensions will inflict economic damage on both nations, urging negotiations and the restoration of movement across the frontier. The future of Pakistan's industrial sector hangs in the balance, with mass unemployment a real possibility if the crossings remain closed.
