Torkham Border Reopens After 25 Days, Trade Resumes Between Pakistan And Afghanistan

(MENAFN- Tribal News Network) TORKHAM: The Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan has reopened after 25 days, restoring trade activities following prolonged negotiations between jirga members from both countries.

According to sources, the decision to resume trade was finalized during a flag meeting at the border, leading to the reopening of the crossing for cargo trucks. However, pedestrian movement will remain suspended for two more days due to a malfunctioning scanner, with immigration staff already present. Once technical repairs are completed, foot traffic is expected to resume by Friday.

Zia

Haq Sarhadi, vice president of the Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated that nearly 5,000 commercial trucks were stranded on both sides, causing millions of dollars in losses to traders.

The agreement to reopen the border was reached on Wednesday during a meeting in Torkham, where the Afghan delegation was led by Deputy Governor Mawlawi Azizullah and Commissioner Mawlawi Hikmatullah. Pakistan had initially closed the border following damage to its customs infrastructure due to Afghan gunfire. With repairs now completed, cargo vehicles are allowed to pass. Additionally, both sides agreed to an immediate ceasefire until April 15 and halted the construction of disputed checkpoints.

Afghanistan's state news agency confirmed that the border is now open for vehicles and patients, while pedestrian movement will resume on Friday.

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The closure stemmed from disputes over border infrastructure construction between Pakistani and Afghan security forces on February 21. Tensions escalated earlier this month when cross-border gunfire between Pakistan and Afghan Taliban forces injured eight people, including six soldiers. Artillery shelling damaged several houses, a mosque, and clearing agents' offices, with clashes continuing for three days before tribal elders intervened to mediate.

Pakistani jirga members emphasized that the border would only remain open if both sides adhered to existing protocols and agreements regarding structural changes at the crossing. They reminded Afghan authorities that Pakistan would not tolerate any unauthorized construction or renovations near the zero point, as previously agreed upon by both nations.

Sources indicated that during meetings and subsequent phone discussions, the Afghan side responded positively and halted renovation work on a disputed checkpoint, locally referred to as "Zangali Posta."

Customs officials reported that the border closure had resulted in daily losses of approximately $1.5 million due to halted exports to Afghanistan. Additionally, Pakistan suffered losses of over Rs 545 million due to suspended imports from Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, sources at Torkham's Dosti Hospital revealed that 70 to 80 Afghan patients cross into Pakistan daily for medical treatment on valid visas, highlighting the humanitarian impact of the prolonged closure.

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