LANDIKOTAL
\nThe second round of talks between Pakistani and Afghan jirgas was held on the Afghan side of the Torkham border on Monday as both sides sought to ease tensions and find a solution to the ongoing border closure official sources said.
\nthey said that the discussions, which took place amid heightened security, aimed at resolving disputes that have disrupted trade and movement for the past 24 days.
\nThe Pakistani jirga, comprising 36 members in total including tribal elders and officials, placed three key demands before their Afghan counterparts they met on the Afghan side of the Torkham border
\nPakistanijirga placed three conditions including 1: An immediate ceasefire, 2: A halt to construction on the disputed bunker and 3: the reopening of the border.
\nThese demands were presented as essential steps toward restoring normalcy at the vital crossing point.
\nAccording to Landikotal Mayor Shah Khalid Shinwari, the Afghan jirga agreed to ceasefire and stop work on the controversial bunker but requested time until the evening to decide on the reopening of the border. He said that negotiations were successfuly ongoing ahead as Afghan jirga accept their two first demands and assured them for the rest last one. He said further progress was expected in the coming hours.Shah Khalid said Afghan jirga took time till evening to finalise the reopening proceedure of border with the Afghan high ups.
\nThe Torkham border crossing, one of the busiest trade and transit points between Pakistan and Afghanistan, has remained closed since clashes erupted between security forces over the construction of a bunker by Afghan forces in the disputed area on February 21. The closure has left hundreds of trucks stranded on both sides, causing severe disruptions to trade and travel.
\nTraders and transporters have expressed frustration over the prolonged closure, citing heavy financial losses due to perishable goods going to waste and additional costs incurred by delays. Many businesses that rely on cross-border trade have also suffered, raising concerns about long-term economic consequences.
\nPakistani security officials have reiterated their stance that no unilateral construction would be allowed in disputed areas and that such actions should be resolved through diplomatic channels. They have called for a permanent mechanism to prevent future conflicts at the border.
\nAfghan officials, on the other hand, have maintained that their forces were building the bunker for security purposes and not to alter the territorial status quo. However, they have shown a willingness to engage in dialogue to avoid further escalation.
\nLocal residents on both sides of the border have been directly affected by the closure, with many unable to cross for medical treatment, work, or family visits. The situation has added to the hardships already faced by communities in the border region.
\nEfforts to de-escalate tensions have continued, with both countries under pressure to find a solution that balances security concerns with the need to maintain trade and people-to-people movement. The outcome of the ongoing talks would be crucial in determining how quickly normalcy can be restored.
\nAs negotiations progress, officials remain hopeful that an agreement could be reached soon to reopen the border, providing relief to traders, travelers and residents affected by the standoff.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
LANDIKOTAL The second round of talks between Pakistani and Afghan jirgas was held on the Afghan side of the Torkham border on Monday as both sides sought to ease tensions and find a solution to the ongoing border closure official sources said. they said that the discussions, which took place amid heightened security, aimed at […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":467577,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-467560","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-top-news"},"yoast_head":"\n