Islamabad, Aug. 3 -- Pakistan has closed the Ghulam Khan border crossing with Afghanistan's Khost province, enforcing stricter visa and passport regulations in a move that has stranded travelers and triggered concerns about disrupted trade and cross-border ties, Khaama Press reported.

The closure, which took effect early Friday, August 1, ends the informal practice that allowed certain individuals including patients to cross using "tokens" instead of full travel documents, Khaama Press stated.

Ghulam Khan is one of three official border crossings between Pakistan and Afghanistan, connecting Khost province to Pakistan's North Waziristan. It is considered the third most critical checkpoint after Torkham and Chaman, serving as a key route ...