The Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan reopened for pedestrians on Saturday, ending a month-long closure that had stranded thousands on both sides.
The reopening followed negotiations between Pakistani and Afghan jirga members, which also included a ceasefire and a halt to the construction of check posts near the border.
Pakistani officials announced that only Afghan nationals with valid visas and passports would be allowed to enter the country. However, exceptions were made for serious medical patients who could cross under the old procedures. A Khyber district resident working at a currency exchange shop near Torkham reported that the gate reopened at 8 a.m., with long queues on both sides.
Afghan officials advised travellers to wait two to three days to avoid congestion caused by the sudden influx of people. Meanwhile, around 100 patients and their attendants, mostly cancer patients, are allowed to enter Pakistan daily without travel documents.
The Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan reopened to passenger traffic on Saturday, nearly a month after a closure prompted by a dispute between the Taliban and Pakistani authorities.https://t.co/ESybvqv0wq pic.twitter.com/aHjppyF3Ge
— Amu TV (@AmuTelevision) March 22, 2025Background of Torkham Border Closure
The Torkham border was abruptly closed on February 21 after Pakistani and Afghan security forces clashed over construction activities near the border. The situation escalated this month when eight people, including six troops, were injured in cross-border firing.
Read: Torkham Border Stays Shut as Afghan Talks Stall
The reopening came after Pakistan’s Special Representative to Afghanistan, Mohammad Sadiq, met with Afghan Foreign Minister Maulvi Amir Khan Muttaqi in Kabul. The discussions focused on bilateral relations, security concerns, and facilitating trade and transit. Both sides emphasized resolving issues through joint meetings and delegation exchanges.
Met Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Kabul, today.
Reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to continued engagement & mutually beneficial ties with Afghanistan. Both sides agreed to enhance high-level engagements and dialogue to further consolidate bilateral relations. pic.twitter.com/cxMKcjkETn
— Mohammad Sadiq (@AmbassadorSadiq) March 22, 2025Pakistan has raised concerns about militant groups operating from Afghan territory, a claim that the Afghan Taliban denies. Recent events, such as hijacking the Jaffar Express in Balochistan, have further strained relations between the two sides.
