More than 2,000 cargoes bound to Afghanistan are stranded in Pakistan due to closure of the border over coronavirus, local media reported.
Pakistan Directorate General of Transit Trade’s data said showed that 1,587 vehicles loaded with Afghan transit containers en-route to Chaman and 526 vehicles to Torkham port remained unmoved at the border areas.
Besides, more than 900 vehicles returning with empty containers are stuck on the Afghan side of the border.
Altogether, almost 5,600 drivers and cleaners are stranded on both sides.
All Pakistan Customs Bonded Carrier Association urged the authorities to let Afghan transit trade cargoes cross border, which have been stuck over 30 days. It said that no coronavirus case has so far been reported among the drivers and helpers.
“With the announcement of complete moratorium of all activities on the western border to secure the health and safety of the people of Pakistan, the federal government has left drivers and cleaners at the mercy of the deadly virus, raising fears that these places could become a breeding ground for the coronavirus,” said Arshad Jamal, chairman of the All Pakistan Customs Agents Association.
