Tensions escalate once more at Torkham.

Torkham Border Closure Over Dispute with Afghan Taliban

Border Closed for Two Days: The Torkham border, a vital crossing point between Pakistan and Afghanistan, was closed for the second consecutive day due to a dispute over unauthorized construction by the Afghan Taliban near the border.
Violation of Agreement: The closure occurred after the Taliban began building a new post without prior consent from Pakistan, violating an agreement that requires both sides’ approval for any new structures along the border.
Impact on Movement: The closure has disrupted both commercial and pedestrian traffic. Approximately 600-700 trucks and 5,000-6,000 pedestrians typically pass through Torkham daily, and the closure has severely affected trade and movement.
Ongoing Standoff: Despite local-level communications between both sides, the issue remains unresolved, and there is no clear timeline for the border’s reopening.
Humanitarian Gesture: In an act of goodwill, Pakistan allowed the transfer of six Afghan citizens’ coffins across the border, despite the ongoing tensions.
Historical Context: Unauthorized construction along the border has been a recurring issue since 2016, leading to clashes between Afghan and Pakistani forces over border management.
Tense Relations: The closure adds to the already strained relations between the two countries, exacerbated by concerns over the alleged use of Afghan territory by anti-Pakistani militant groups like the TTP.
UN Report Validates Concerns: A recent UN report confirmed that the Afghan Taliban has been providing support to the TTP, with the group operating training centers in Afghanistan, further complicating the security situation.
Pakistan’s Stance: Pakistan has made it clear that relations with Afghanistan cannot improve unless the issue of terrorist sanctuaries is addressed. However, the Afghan Taliban claims that the TTP is an internal issue for Pakistan.
Previous Border Clashes: The Torkham border was also closed in August 2024 following clashes between the two nations over Taliban construction activities near the border.

The Torkham border between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been closed for two consecutive days due to a dispute over the Afghan Taliban’s unauthorized construction of a new post near the border.

This action violated an agreement that requires both sides’ approval for new structures. The closure has disrupted trade and pedestrian movement, affecting daily traffic. Despite local communication, the issue remains unresolved.

Tensions are compounded by ongoing security concerns, particularly over the use of Afghan territory by anti-Pakistani groups like the TTP. Pakistan has stated that relations cannot improve unless the issue of terrorist sanctuaries is addressed.