Torkham Border Closed For A Month Reopening Talks Set Between Afghan And Pakistani Traders

Local officials in Nangarhar announced on Monday, March 17, that a meeting of tribal elders and traders regarding the reopening of Torkham is currently taking place, with 27 Afghan tribal leaders and traders, along with 37 Pakistani representatives, in attendance.

The Torkham crossing has been closed since February 21, 2025, due to clashes between the forces of the Taliban and Pakistani border guards. This closure, now in its 26th day, has caused significant economic losses, particularly for traders from both sides. Numerous efforts have been made to reopen the crossing, but none have yielded a final resolution.

The origin of this tension stems from the Taliban's construction of border posts near the Durand Line, which Pakistan views as a violation of border agreements. In contrast, the Taliban officials claim that these structures are within Afghanistan territory, and Pakistan initiated the conflict by opening fire on their forces.

The meeting of Afghan and Pakistani tribal leaders and traders comes after several official discussions between both parties about reopening the crossing, which have all ended without resolution. Local and tribal initiatives, however, are expected to lead to the reopening of the Torkham border crossing.

The closure of Torkham has had far-reaching effects. Reports indicate that bilateral trade has incurred losses of over $60 million, and hundreds of local workers, including those who transported patients on wheelchairs, have lost their jobs.

The congestion of trucks on both sides of the border and rising prices in border areas have also disrupted the daily lives of people living in those regions. The hope is that the current tribal and business-led initiative will finally resolve the crisis and restore the flow of goods and people between the two countries.

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