Torkham Border Crossing Reopens After 25 Days of Closure
ISLAMABAD: The Torkham border crossing, a crucial transit route for travelers and goods between Pakistan and Afghanistan, has reopened after a 25-day closure due to escalating tensions and violence.
Ceasefire Agreement Reached
The decision to reopen the border was made during a flag meeting on the Afghan side of the crossing. Syed Jawad Hussain Kazmi, head of the Pakistani jirga (traditional tribal council), confirmed that while the border is now open for cargo vehicles, it will open for pedestrians and patients on Friday after repairs to the Pakistani customs infrastructure damaged by gunfire from the Afghan side. An immediate ceasefire has also been agreed upon until April 15.
Background of the Tensions
The closure began on February 21 when Afghan forces initiated construction of a checkpoint near the border, which Pakistan’s Frontier Corps claimed encroached on its territory. Armed clashes erupted on March 3, resulting in casualties on both sides. Negotiations broke down, and Afghan delegates accused Pakistan of insincerity. However, recent jirga meetings led to a ceasefire agreement.
Impact and Future Prospects
The violence displaced 15,000 residents and stranded thousands of trucks carrying essential goods. Since the Taliban’s 2021 takeover, relations with Pakistan have soured, exacerbated by deportations and accusations of harboring militants. The Durand Line, drawn in 1893, remains a contentious issue, dividing Pashtun lands and fueling disputes over trade and security.
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The reopening of the Torkham border crossing signifies a critical step towards stabilizing relations and ensuring the flow of goods and people between the two nations.
