The Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan remained closed for the ninth consecutive day on Monday amid ongoing tensions between the two neighbours.

According to security sources, the closure has left thousands of cargo trucks stranded on both sides of the border, causing long queues and severe disruption in trade and transit operations.

Customs officials said the Torkham crossing handles daily trade worth approximately Rs850 million, including Rs580 million in exports and Rs250 million in imports.

Pakistan exports cement, medicines, textiles, fruits, and vegetables to Afghanistan, while imports from the neighbouring country include coal, soapstone, and dry and fresh fruits, among other goods.

The prolonged suspension of cross-border trade has caused significant hardship for traders and truck drivers, many of whom have been waiting for days in extreme weather conditions.

Earlier, Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told Al Jazeera Arabia that Afghanistan would once again be allowed to use Pakistani ports for trade.

He clarified, however, that the repatriation process for undocumented Afghan nationals would continue, while those with valid visas and identity documents could legally stay in Pakistan.

Asif stressed that the use of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border should now follow international norms and formal procedures to prevent future misunderstandings or tensions.