Torkham Border Crossing Reopens After Agreement
The agreement to reopen the Torkham border crossing is expected to bring relief to approximately 2 million people on both sides who rely on the crossing for trade and travel, and will help to restore trade and travel between the two countries, with trade routes through Torkham remaining operational.
Pakistani and Afghan authorities have reached an agreement to reopen the Torkham border crossing, which was closed since February 21 due to rising tensions over unauthorized construction by Afghan authorities, affecting trade and travel with estimated losses of $72 million.
The agreement was reached during a jirga between designated religious, political, and tribal elders from both sides, where the Afghan side agreed to halt illegal construction and both parties decided that any future construction at the disputed border point will only proceed with mutual consensus. The closure of the border had resulted in the suspension of all movements, affecting trade and travel, and the reopening is expected to bring relief to approximately 2 million people on both sides who rely on the crossing for trade and travel.
Pakistani and Afghan jirgas agreed to a permanent ceasefire and the reopening of the Torkham border during a joint meeting. The Afghan delegation requested a halt in the construction on their side of the border until further consultations with Afghan authorities. The issue will be addressed in the next meeting of the Joint Chamber of Commerce, where a final decision will be made. Trade routes through Torkham will remain operational, ensuring the continuity of cross-border commerce.
The second round of talks at the Torkham border crossing ended on a positive note with the Afghan side requesting more time to consult with their higher authorities. The Afghan delegation agreed to halt construction of a controversial check post near the border, a condition set by Pakistan for reopening the border. Pakistan wants a six-month ceasefire during which the border will remain open for legitimate cross-border activities.
The reopening of the Torkham border crossing is a significant development, as it will help to restore trade and travel between the two countries, and is expected to have a positive impact on the economies of both Pakistan and Afghanistan. The agreement is also a step towards improving relations between the two countries, which have been strained in recent months due to the border dispute.