Torkham Border Crossing Reopens After Extended Closure, Resuming Trade

The Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan has reopened, restoring trade after nearly a month of closure due to construction activities by Afghan authorities. The crossing is vital for economic exchanges, and its reopening is expected to mitigate losses incurred by businesses. Officials from both nations emphasize the need for a strategy to enhance economic ties and separate them from political issues.

The Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan has reopened after nearly a month of closure, facilitating the resumption of trade activities between the two nations. The border was closed on February 21 due to Afghan authorities beginning construction of trenches and conducting development work along the border, resulting in the suspension of cross-border trade and movement.

This crossing serves as a vital transit point for both travelers and goods, with trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan valued at over $1.6 billion in 2024, as reported by Pakistan’s foreign office. Naheed Khan, a senior police official, confirmed that transport operations at the Torkham gate have resumed.

Hazrat Nabi Toor, an Afghan customs agent, also validated that truck movements have recommenced at the Torkham border. Hajji Hikmatullah, the Torkham gate commissioner in Afghanistan, stated that the reopening would alleviate the delays faced by trucks stranded at the border.

Hikmatullah advocated for a “comprehensive strategy” to disentangle political issues from economic activities to bolster trade relations. Pakistani customs agent Asghar Ali shared that upon the announcement of the reopening, a surge of vehicles loaded with goods began heading towards the crossing, highlighting the significant financial impacts of the border closure, which has led to millions in losses for businesses.

Historically, border clashes have caused closures at crucial crossings like Torkham and Chaman, disrupting trade and hindering movement between the two countries. The recent closure had escalated into a skirmish, resulting in injuries to three Pakistani civilians. This reopening occurs amidst rising tensions between Kabul and Islamabad, primarily due to increasing militant attacks linked to border issues. Islamabad has accused Afghanistan of harboring militant groups responsible for these attacks, while Afghan officials maintain that Pakistan should address its internal security challenges.

The reopening of the Torkham border crossing marks a crucial step towards revitalizing trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan, following nearly a month of closure due to border construction activities. As trade resumption provides relief for businesses impacted by the closure, officials stress the need for cooperative strategies to decouple political conflicts from economic interactions. This development is significant amidst ongoing tensions related to security and border management between the two nations.

Original Source: www.arabnews.pk