Torkham Border Reopens After Month-Long Closure
Key Developments:
- Border Crossing Opened: Trade and medical emergency access restored after extensive negotiations.
- Pedestrian Crossings to Resume: Expected to reopen in the coming days.
- Economic Impact: Pakistan lost an estimated $40.5 million due to the closure.
After nearly a month of closure due to a border dispute, the Torkham border was reopened on Wednesday, allowing the resumption of trade and medical emergency crossings. The development followed intense negotiations mediated by tribal elders from Pakistan and Afghanistan over the past ten days.
Reopening Ceremony
The reopening was marked by a brief ceremony at the zero point, where delegates from both nations convened. Stranded vehicles were allowed to cross in both directions, and ambulances transported critically ill Afghan patients into Pakistan for urgent medical care.
A joint meeting was held where Afghan representatives first stepped onto Pakistani soil, followed by a reciprocal visit from the Pakistani delegation. The gesture symbolized goodwill and commitment to resolving border disputes through dialogue.
Jirga’s Role in Mediation
The Pakistani and Afghan jirga members stressed the necessity of maintaining a permanently open border.
- Younas Momand (Afghan Chamber of Commerce and Industries) and Shah Khalid Shinwari (Tehsil Chairman, Landi Kotal) delivered speeches emphasizing bilateral trade and adherence to agreed terms.
- Both delegations offered collective prayers and exchanged bouquets as a gesture of goodwill.
Trade Resumption
Following the ceremony:
- The first vehicle carrying coal from Afghanistan entered Pakistan.
- Another vehicle loaded with cement crossed into Afghanistan.
- Traders highlighted that daily trade volumes had increased from 350 to 800 vehicles before the border closure, showcasing its critical role in economic activities.
Security and Diplomatic Agreements
Border security officials held a meeting prior to the reopening and agreed to halt new construction along the disputed area until a permanent resolution is reached.
Backdoor diplomacy between Peshawar and Jalalabad, combined with two jirga meetings (March 7 and March 17), played a significant role in brokering the agreement. The final decision to reopen was confirmed on March 17 at the Afghan Gumruk (Customs Office).
Economic Losses During Closure
- Pakistan suffered an estimated $40.5 million in lost potential revenue.
- Daily trade revenue losses amounted to Rs. 545 million due to halted imports from Afghanistan.
Background of Dispute
The closure occurred on February 20, 2024, due to disagreements over the construction of a security checkpoint by Afghan forces near the zero point. Tensions escalated into a three-day gun battle (March 3–5) between border security forces. In response, Pakistan formed a 57-member jirga on March 7, later reduced to 36 members, to initiate peace talks.
Both countries have agreed to work towards a long-term resolution and permanent border accessibility for trade and travel. Pedestrian crossings are set to resume in the coming days, ensuring further normalization of movement across the Torkham border.
This agreement signifies a major diplomatic breakthrough, reinforcing trade relations and economic cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
