Pakistan and Afghanistan Reopen Torkham Border After Extended Closure
Pakistan and Afghanistan reopened the Torkham border crossing after a month of closure due to security clashes. Initially, it will allow trade, with pedestrian crossings starting on Friday. The closure had severely impacted trade, exacerbating Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis. A ceasefire is in place as officials work towards stability.
On Wednesday, Pakistan and Afghanistan reopened the Torkham border crossing after nearly a month of closure due to security clashes. This critical trade route had been shut since February 21, following heightened tensions caused by Afghanistan’s construction of a border post within Pakistani territory.
Initially, the reopening will focus on trade, with pedestrian crossings set to resume on Friday. Pakistani government official Riaz Khan Mehsud confirmed this arrangement, while Qureshi Badlon, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province, stated that both nations resolved the dispute amicably and agreed to resume transit trade.
The border’s closure had significant repercussions, hindering trade and travel, which resulted in substantial economic losses and stranded shipments. Afghanistan, notably dependent on imports from Pakistan, encountered further difficulties amid its humanitarian crisis. Pakistani businessman Ghulam Ali remarked that the shutdown led to “millions of dollars” in losses as perishable goods decayed.
This decision to reopen the border resulted from negotiations between Pakistani and Afghan officials, with assistance from local tribal leaders. Syed Jawad Hussain Kazmi, head of a Pakistani jirga, confirmed that Afghan authorities would cease the construction that incited the dispute. A ceasefire will remain until a Joint Coordination Committee is established to ensure long-term stability.
The Torkham crossing, within Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, serves as one of the two primary trade routes between the nations. Typically, it processes approximately $3 million worth of trade and the passage of around 10,000 individuals daily. The reopening is anticipated to rejuvenate vital economic activities and alleviate restrictions on cross-border movement.
The reopening of the Torkham border is a positive development for both Pakistan and Afghanistan, aimed at restoring trade and easing travel restrictions after significant tensions caused a monthlong closure. It highlights the importance of ongoing diplomatic negotiations and local mediation in resolving cross-border disputes. This critical crossing will facilitate economic recovery and aid in addressing Afghanistan’s pressing humanitarian needs.
Original Source: themedialine.org
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