The Torkham border, a crucial trade and transit route between Pakistan and Afghanistan, was reopened today after a 25-day closure. According to reports, vehicles with patients on board were also allowed to cross.
Earlier, Qazi Mullah Adil, the spokesperson for the Nangarhar governor, had sent a message to the media, stating, “Today, Wednesday at 4 PM, the Torkham gate will open for cargo trucks, commercial goods, and emergency patients. Additionally, it has been decided that this gate will be fully open for all types of traffic by Friday (the 21st of Ramadan).”
Torkham Gate Opened After Tribal Leaders, Scholars, and Traders’ Meeting Between Pakistan and Afghanistan
The Torkham Gate was opened following a series of meetings between tribal leaders, scholars, and traders from both Pakistan and Afghanistan, and later between the border security forces. Some government sources stated that customs officials were notified to be present early in the morning, and scanning machines were installed for the pedestrian traffic, after which they would be allowed to cross.
Economic Losses and Struggles After Torkham Closure
According to reports, Torkham Gate was closed after the Taliban government set up security posts along the Durand Line, which was met with objections from Pakistan. This led to clashes between the two countries. Thousands of cargo trucks were stranded for 25 days, and traders reported losing millions of dollars every day due to the closure. Moreover, patients and people wishing to cross the Durand Line to visit relatives also faced immense hardship.
Results and Demands from the Jirga
It is noteworthy that traders and tribal leaders from both sides had repeatedly held jirgas, but there had been no successful outcome before this. Khalid Shinwari, a representative of the Pakistani traders at the Durand Line, stated before the final meeting (March 17, 2025), that the jirga had urged both governments to cease attacks, resolve the issue regarding military posts, and open the road.
Increased Trade and Travel Issues Between Pakistan and Afghanistan
An Afghan participant, who wished to remain anonymous, told BBC that “the Pakistani delegation’s demand was to halt the construction of Taliban-controlled security posts along the line, and Pakistan would be willing to reopen the Torkham Gate on this condition.” The Taliban commissioner, Abdul Jabbar Hikmat, responded to this request by saying, “Halting the construction of security posts is beyond their authority,” adding that senior leaders have the final say on the matter.
Business Losses
Khan Jan Alkozi, the head of the Afghanistan-Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce, who had been overseeing efforts to reopen the Torkham Gate, said, “The Pakistani demands have been conveyed by our delegation to the Nangarhar governor, and we are awaiting a response.” He further added that they had asked the Pakistani government to separate political disputes and military issues from trade matters.
Preventing Trade Losses
Mohammad Yunus Momand, the president of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce, stated that although Afghanistan now depends less on trade