Torkham reopens as tensions deescalate

After the massive escalation of tension along the Pak-Afghan border, both countries agreed to allow movement across each other's boundaries, thus reopening the doors for trade.

After a failed flag meeting which was scheduled for Wednesday, both sides unanimously agreed to deescalate the tension on Thursday morning.

Clashes between the border security forces started when Afghanistan reportedly started constructing roads next to the border. Pakistani security officials took exception to this activity, resulting in skirmishes between the two nations. The clashes led to the death of two civilians, and injuries to as many minors.

Locals sources said Afghanistan decided to skip the flag meeting, leading to the complete suspension of all activity across both sides of the border.

The stalemate finally came to an end and both sides agreed to resume movement, a move also welcomed by Kabul.

Anadolu Agency quotes officials as confirming that the Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which had been closed for three days due to skirmishes, has reopened.

Abdullah Khan, a local Pakistani official at the border, confirmed to Anadolu that "the border has reopened this morning for travellers and transport after remaining closed for three days."

The closure of the Torkham border, one of the two main crossings between Pakistan and Afghanistan, has caused heavy losses to already depreciating trade between the two neighbours, as Torkham is one of the busiest trade routes between Islamabad and Kabul.

The trade volume between landlocked Afghanistan and Pakistan has been mostly affected by terrorist attacks.

Zabihullah Mujahid also quoted an Afghan government chief spokesperson as saying that authorities are investigating reports of Pakistani fighter jets violating Afghan airspace while patrolling. (WITH INPUT FROM ANADOLU AGENCY)