A key border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan reopened on Wednesday for movement after 25 days, following negotiations between Islamabad and Kabul.
The Torkham border crossing is the main transit artery for travelers and goods between Pakistan and landlocked Afghanistan. Trade between the two countries was worth over $1.6 billion in 2024, according to Pakistan's Foreign Office.
The reopening comes after Afghan authorities agreed to halt construction on a disputed post.
Mujeeb Ur Rehman, a Pakistani jirga member and president of the Customs Clearance Agents at the Torkham border, confirmed the development.
He said that due to heavy congestion, the border was initially reopened for critically ill patients and trade. “Pedestrian movement will be allowed in two days once immigration pressure eases,” he added.
Syed Jawad Hussain Kazmi, head of the Pakistani jirga, told Nukta that both sides agreed on a ceasefire, reopening the border, and suspending work on the disputed post.
However, Afghan jirga members sought time to consult their authorities. “Once Afghan officials consented, Pakistan relayed the message, leading to a security forces meeting where the final decision to reopen the border was made,” he added.
Members of Pakistani and Afghan jirga pray following the talks on March 19, 2025.Courtesy: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chamber Of Commerce & Industry
Kazmi said construction on the disputed post would remain suspended until the next meeting of the Joint Coordination Committee, where a final decision will be made. “Both countries will mutually decide the timing of the meeting soon,” he noted.
Haji Gul Murad Arab, head of the Afghan jirga and president of the Nangarhar Chamber of Commerce, said the closure caused economic and humanitarian difficulties.
“Transporters, traders, patients, and residents of both countries faced hardships. Everyone now seeks a permanent solution, so a jirga is likely 15 days after Eid to resolve the matter,” he stated.
A Pakistani security official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the reopening followed jirga members’ requests. “If Afghan forces resume construction on the disputed post, the border will be closed again. Establishing a post within 500 meters of the Zero Point is a security risk for Pakistan—something on which no compromise will be made,” the official added.
Economic toll
Naqeebullah, chairman of the United Afghan Traders Union, told Nukta that reopening the border is a “positive step” that will ease hardships for people on both sides. “The 25-day closure caused trade losses amounting to $66 million,” he said.
Customs officials estimate that about 10,000 pedestrians cross Torkham daily, and trade through the crossing generates $1.4 million in exports and $1.6 million in imports per day. Both activities had been halted since Feb. 21.
Journalist Farid Shinwari estimated that the disruption cost between $1.2 million and $2.5 million per day. “In 2011, bilateral trade peaked at $2.5 billion, but repeated border closures and disruptions have reduced it to $700 million,” he added.
Recurring disputes
The Torkham border has witnessed multiple closures due to disputes and protests. In August 2024, it was shut for three days after Afghan forces attempted to build an unauthorized bunker.
Separately, traders’ protests over cargo vehicle permits halted movement for two days. In June 2024, a transport shutdown occurred over alleged police misconduct. Disagreements over border infrastructure, including a checkpoint and signboard, also led to temporary closures.
In February 2023, Afghan officials shut the crossing after a patient was denied entry. Each closure ended following negotiations between the two sides.
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