Torkham reopens after 26-day standoff

Afghanistan gives in to Pakistan's demand, halts disputed checkpoint construction

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TORKHAM/ISLAMABAD:

The key border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan at Torkham was reopened on Wednesday after remaining closed for 26 days due to a dispute over the construction of a controversial checkpoint by Kabul.

Cargo vehicle movement through the trade corridor resumed, with operations beginning in full swing by 4 pm, the sources confirmed.

However, pedestrian movement will remain suspended for at least two to three more days due to damage sustained by the immigration system during recent cross-border firing by Afghan forces.

The border was reopened following a series of jirgas involving tribal elders, religious scholars, and traders from both sides. Sources familiar with the negotiations said the Afghan Taliban ultimately conceded to Pakistan's demand to halt work on the disputed checkpoint.

A flag meeting between officials of both countries was held on Wednesday before the reopening of the vital trade route.

Official sources said that customs staff were instructed to report for duty on Wednesday morning.

In addition, repairs on the FIA container scanner – used for pedestrian clearance – have begun. Once the scanner is operational, pedestrian movement across the border will also resume.

Authorities have decided to restrict pedestrian travel until the immigration system is fully repaired. For now, only Afghan patients requiring urgent medical assistance will be permitted to enter Pakistan, security sources said.

With the reopening of the trade route, bilateral commerce has resumed and Pakistani cargo trucks carrying goods have started entering Afghanistan.

Similarly, Afghan cargo trucks loaded with imported goods have begun crossing into Pakistan.

Security personnel and government staff have been deployed at the crossing to ensure smooth operations. The Torkham trade route is a crucial link for bilateral commerce, facilitating the movement of approximately 1,500 cargo trucks daily.

According to customs sources, trade via Torkham contributes an average of $3 million per day to Pakistan's national treasury. Meanwhile, the total daily trade volume between the two countries through this route is estimated at around $1.5 billion.

It is worth noting that local elders, religious scholars and members of the Chamber of Commerce, along with an Afghan delegation, held two formal meetings during this period and proposed confidence-building measures for reopening the border.

Malik Tajuddin and Shah Khalid Shinwari, who were part of the Pakistani delegation, stated that Afghan officials were urged to implement a ceasefire to build trust.

Additionally, they were asked to halt the construction of a checkpoint at the disputed location before reopening the border.