PESHAWAR - The opening of new routes between Afghanistan and Pakistan will boost trade and tourism besides alleviating poverty in the region, hope residents.
Durah Pass -- also called Shah Sadim Pass -- and Arandu in Chitral valley are expected to open soon. Both routes remained open for trade with Kunar and Badakhshan until 1990s.
Custom stations are being set up in the areas after top officials from Peshawar visited the border areas to assess various aspects of the opening of stations to regulate trade with Afghanistan.
Sartaj Ahmad Khan, the Chitral Chamber of Commerce and Industry head, said the Durah Pass was closed in 2006.
Just like the Torkham border, Shah Salim area was a commercial hub as a market was established there for daily-use items purchased by the people of Badakhshan, he added.
Trader Mian Asif said Badakhshan had a large goat and sheep population and the border opening would ensure adequate mutton quantity in Chitral. (Pajhwok)