Islamabad, March 21, 2025: Pakistan has clarified that the reopening of the Torkham border is only a temporary measure, with further negotiations planned to establish a permanent system for cross-border movement and trade with Afghanistan.
The border, a key trade and transit route, reopened after nearly a month-long closure due to tensions between the two nations over the construction of Afghan facilities near the disputed border.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the current arrangement, valid until April 15, was reached through mutual consultation.
“This is a positive development, but we expect further negotiations to establish a permanent mechanism that ensures the continuous operation of the Torkham border,” Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan told media.
Pakistan emphasized the need for permanent assurances that Afghanistan will not undertake any future border construction projects without proper consultation. Officials warned that failure to resolve these concerns could lead to another closure after April 15.
The Torkham crossing, one of the most critical trade points between Pakistan and Afghanistan, was shut down on February 21, disrupting the movement of goods and people. Pakistani officials estimate that the closure resulted in $72 million in losses to the national economy.
Meanwhile, Afghan traders and investors voiced frustration over the shutdown, urging authorities to separate trade activities from political disputes.
The situation escalated on March 4 when negotiations to reopen the border failed, leading to an exchange of fire between Pakistani security forces and Afghan Taliban fighters. The clashes resulted in the deaths of both armed personnel and civilians near the border.
Despite the reopening, Pakistan remains firm on seeking long-term guarantees to prevent further disruptions, highlighting the need for a structured and conflict-free border management system.
