The Torkham border remained closed despite an agreement between Pakistan and Afghanistan to reopen it on Monday. However, Afghan authorities have yet to finalize the decision.
Syed Jawad Hussain Kazmi, who leads Pakistan’s Jirga team, stated, “We’re still waiting.” The closure of the Torkham border has now extended to its 25th day.
Trouble began on February 21 when Afghan forces established a checkpoint on the Pakistani side of the border. The Frontier Corps objected to this action. After failed negotiations on March 4, shots were fired, resulting in the death of one Afghan guard and injuries to two others. To promote peace, Kazmi met with Afghan commerce leaders on March 9. Their discussions led to a ceasefire being agreed upon first.
Breaking | Pak-Afg Torkham Border Update
Following the conclusion of the second session of the Pak-Afghan Jirga, Pakistani representatives, including Shah Khalid and Shinwari, emphasized the long-standing jirga tradition that mandates a ceasefire and a halt to construction at… pic.twitter.com/Hvc45JZKUS
— South Asia Times (@_southasiatimes) March 17, 2025During Monday’s Jirga, terms were established: no construction will take place until mid-April, specifically on the 15th day of Eidul Fitr. A 36-member Pakistani team met with 25 Afghan representatives. According to Kazmi, “They need approval from Kabul.” Twenty hours later, there was still no response. The ceasefire remains in effect, and construction has been halted, but the gate remains closed.
Read: Torkham Border Closure: FC and FIA Clash Disrupts Afghanistan-Pakistan Travel
Wajid Ali Shinwari, a Khyber’s Chamber of Commerce representative, voiced his concerns. “We agreed—no construction,” he told the media. The governor of Nangarhar, Afghanistan, seemed uncertain and referred the issue to Kabul. “They’re not eager to proceed,” Shinwari added. Despite this, there is still a sense of optimism. A meeting scheduled for Wednesday may resolve the impasse.
