Residents of Takhar Urge Construction of Bridge and Joint Market with Tajikistan
Residents from seven districts of Afghanistan’s Takhar province, located along the Kokcha River and bordering Tajikistan, are calling for the establishment of a cross-border market and the construction of a connecting bridge in Dasht-e Qala district. They believe such initiatives would significantly ease the movement of people and commercial exchange in the region.
Dasht-e Qala shares a border with Tajikistan’s Farkhor district. Currently, local residents on both sides of the border use boats to transport goods across the Kokcha River—an unsafe and unreliable method that falls short of meeting the area’s growing trade needs.
According to locals, previous efforts to establish such trade facilities were initiated during the former government of Afghanistan. However, these projects were halted following the Taliban’s return to power and have seen no progress since.
Local officials in Takhar say they have begun reviewing the request. Mohammad Arif Arif, spokesman for the Takhar governor, stated that the provincial administration is committed to discussing the issue with central authorities and pursuing the establishment of a joint market. He added that such a market could enhance trade between the two countries.
Takhar province shares a border with Tajikistan along its seven districts. Residents argue that the creation of cross-border markets would not only revive regional trade but also facilitate legal and secure movement across the border. Their demand, however, remains pending further action.
