Khyber, March 22, 2025: After nearly a month-long closure, the Torkham border between Pakistan and Afghanistan reopened on Saturday, following successful negotiations between jirga representatives from both sides. The border, a crucial crossing point for trade and travel, had remained closed for 27 days due to a skirmish between Pakistani and Afghan officials on February 21, which also damaged the immigration system.
Trade activities resumed on Thursday after a 25-day closure; however, pedestrian movement faced delays due to technical glitches in the immigration system. A team of engineers successfully resolved the issue, allowing the resumption of routine cross-border travel. Only individuals with valid passports and visas are now permitted to travel between the two countries. During the closure, only Afghan patients were granted entry into Pakistan on humanitarian grounds.
The reopening follows a flag meeting between Pakistani and Afghan security officials at the Afghan Customs House near Torkham. The meeting endorsed the agreements reached in the recent joint Pak-Afghan Jirga, paving the way for a resolution. The dispute arose after Pakistan objected to Afghanistan’s construction of a border post, deeming it illegal.
Several Pakistani cargo trucks crossed into Afghanistan, while Afghan freight vehicles entered Pakistan immediately after the reopening. The Torkham border serves as a key trade corridor, facilitating the movement of goods between Pakistan and Central Asian countries. Approximately 10,000 people cross the border daily, making its closure a significant disruption for traders and commuters. The reopening is expected to ease trade bottlenecks and restore normal travel operations, bringing relief to businesses and individuals dependent on the corridor.
