PESHAWAR
Amid heightened tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, the Torkham border crossing has remained closed for all trade and transit activities for the past ten days, causing severe disruption to commerce and hardship for travelers. However, official sources indicated that the Torkham border may reopen within the next 24 to 48 hours.
The Torkham crossing, a critical trade and transit route between Pakistan and Afghanistan, has been shut due to recent clashes between the two countries. As a result, long queues of freight vehicles continue to line both sides of the border, with traders and daily wage laborers bearing the brunt of the economic fallout.
Sources confirm that following recent understandings between Pakistani and Afghan officials, there is a strong possibility that the border will be reopened for trade and pedestrian movement within the next two days. Preparations for the reopening are reportedly in their final stages, with import-export scanners now installed at the Torkham terminal to streamline border operations.
A high-level Pakistani delegation is scheduled to visit Afghanistan today to engage in bilateral discussions on border-related and other key issues.
However, officials clarified that the visit had been pre-arranged and is not a direct response to the current border situation.
According to insiders, authorities from both countries have agreed in principle to resume border activities. Afghan officials have confirmed that customs personnel have already been deployed on their side of the Torkham crossing, signaling readiness for resumption of operations.
Meanwhile, the closure has led to significant economic losses, with traders reporting daily setbacks amounting to crores of rupees. Laborers and local residents have also expressed growing concern over the prolonged suspension, which has disrupted livelihoods and supply chains.
Security sources further revealed that, amid the closure, a gate has been opened specifically to allow Afghan refugees to return from Pakistan to Afghanistan.
On another front, the Quetta-Chaman passenger train service remains suspended due to the ongoing closure at the Chaman border, further compounding mobility issues in the region.
Authorities on both sides were expected to issue an official announcement regarding the reopening of the Torkham border in the coming hours.
