Islamabad, March 17, 2025: Pakistan and Afghanistan have reached an agreement to cease hostilities and reopen the Torkham trade route for all types of movement, marking a significant breakthrough in resolving recent border tensions.
The agreement was finalized during a Pak-Afghan jirga held at the Khyber-Torkham crossing, where both sides worked to de-escalate tensions and restore normal operations at the critical border point.
According to Pakistani jirga member Jawad Hussain, both delegations agreed to halt hostilities and resume trade and travel. As part of the understanding, it was decided that disputed construction by Afghan forces would be temporarily suspended. The Afghan delegation has requested time until this evening to consult their authorities on the matter before a final resolution.
Hussain further stated that the Afghan jirga would brief their officials on halting construction, and the issue would be deferred until the next meeting of the Joint Chamber of Commerce. The final decision on the disputed construction will be made during that session, while trade activities at the border will continue in the meantime. The date for the next meeting will be determined through mutual consultation.
Additionally, a meeting between Pakistan’s Frontier Corps (FC) and Afghan authorities is set to take place today. The official reopening of the Torkham trade route is expected following their discussions.
The border crossing had been shut down on February 21 after tensions escalated when Afghan forces began construction inside Pakistani territory.
This ceasefire and reopening agreement is seen as a positive step toward diplomatic resolution and regional stability, ensuring that trade and travel between the two countries can continue without further disruption.
