Torkham Border Crossing Between Pakistan and Afghanistan to Reopen Today After Prolonged Stalemate

Synopsis

The Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan is poised to reopen after nearly a month of closure due to heightened tensions over construction activities. A ceasefire agreement was reached after discussions between leaders from both nations, allowing for the resumption of trade and movement.

Key Takeaways

Torkham border reopening after a month of closure.
Ceasefire talks led to the decision to resume movement.
Violent clashes resulted in casualties on both sides.
Construction activities at the border area will require mutual consent.
The economic impact of the closure was significant, totaling $72 million.

Islamabad, March 18 (NationPress) The Torkham border connecting Pakistan and Afghanistan is set to reopen on Tuesday following nearly a month of closure triggered by rising tensions between the two countries regarding the construction of facilities by Afghan forces around the disputed border area.

This resolution emerged after the second round of ceasefire discussions involving designated religious, political, and tribal leaders from both sides on Monday. It was concluded that the Torkham trade route, which had been shut since February 21, would reopen for all forms of movement, as reported by various media outlets.

The situation at the Torkham border escalated on March 4 when negotiations to reopen the crossing collapsed, leading to gunfire between Pakistani security forces and Afghan Taliban fighters.

The violent confrontations have resulted in casualties among armed forces personnel and civilians in the vicinity of the border.

As reported by the prominent Pakistani newspaper, Dawn, during the meeting, tensions flared when the Afghan delegation, primarily consisting of members from the Afghan Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI), linked the construction of a checkpoint on their side to the development of a large Customs Terminal on the Pakistani side, located over one kilometer within Pakistani territory from the main border Zero Point.

However, the Afghan representatives consented to suspend construction activities, and both parties agreed that any future development at the contested border location would only proceed with mutual consent, as stated by the head of the Pakistani delegation, Syed Jawad Hussain Kazmi, to The Express Tribune.

Pakistani officials indicated that all types of trade, including transit trade, have been halted during the 24-day closure of the border. The total losses to the national economy due to the closure have reached $72 million, according to an unnamed Pakistani official speaking to The Express Tribune.

"A meeting was held on Monday in Torkham between both sides. The decisions made were positive, and it is likely that the crossing will reopen today or tomorrow," Afghan media outlet TOLO News reported, citing Afghan trader Zalmai Azimi.

Torkham serves as one of the most significant crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan, facilitating the highest volume of trade and movement between the two nations.

The ongoing conflict has severely impacted traders on both sides of the border, resulting in millions of dollars in losses. Hundreds of travelers and patients, along with thousands of freight trucks, remain stranded on both sides of the Torkham crossing due to the standoff.