Tribal jirga formed to break deadlock at closed Pakistan-Afghanistan border

A tribal Jirga has been formed to resolve the deadlock at the Pakistan-Afghanistan Torkham border, which has remained closed since February 21 after four failed rounds of government-level negotiations.

The Jirga, consisting of over 60 members, including tribal elders, traders, and religious scholars from both countries, held its first session at the Torkham terminal on Sunday.

Yad Wazir, a Jirga member, confirmed to Nukta that the council agreed on a ceasefire until March 11.

Mujeeb Shinwari, another Jirga member and president of the Customs Clearance Agents at the Torkham border, said talks focused on three main points: a ceasefire until the 15th day of Eid, a halt to construction on a disputed post, and reopening the border.

"After the 15th day of Eid, both states will sit together to find a permanent resolution to the issue," Shinwari said. "But if they fail to do so, the Jirga will reconvene."

Afghan Jirga members are set to present these points to Afghan authorities and respond to Pakistan by tomorrow. A final decision on reopening the border will be made in the Jirga's second meeting on March 11, Shinwari added.

Tensions at the border

The Torkham crossing has been closed for over two weeks, disrupting trade and movement. Tensions escalated when Afghan forces attempted to construct a bunker near the border, an action Islamabad deemed unacceptable due to security concerns.

According to Pakistani security officials, the attempted construction was within 500 meters of the border, leading to an exchange of fire that forced residents to relocate.

The Jirga now hopes to de-escalate the situation and find a peaceful resolution to reopen the vital crossing.

Pakistani customs officials estimate that 10,000 pedestrians cross the Torkham border daily. Trade through the crossing includes exports worth $1.4 million and imports of $1.6 million per day, both halted due to the closure.

Journalist Farid Shinwari said the disruption costs Pakistan between $1.2 million and $2.5 million daily.

“In 2011, bilateral trade reached $2.5 billion, but constant disruptions and border closures have reduced it to $700 million,” he said.

Recurring border disputes

In August 2024, the border was closed for three days over another bunker dispute, leading to an exchange of fire that injured two Pakistani soldiers. In the same month, a two-day shutdown occurred due to protests by traders and transporters demanding a relaxation in temporary admission document (TAD) rules.

In June, last year, the Car Bargain Association blocked the route, protesting the arrest of three individuals. Similarly, in March 2024, Pakistan objected to an Afghan bunker, prompting a temporary closure.

In December 2023, Pakistan’s installation of a "Welcome to Pakistan" signboard sparked Afghan objections, briefly shutting the border. The same year, in September, Afghan authorities assured their land wouldn’t be used against Pakistan following a checkpoint dispute that had led to a closure.

In February 2023, Afghan forces shut the crossing after Pakistan denied entry to an Afghan patient without valid travel documents.

Since the closure of the Torkham border, hundreds of traders, travelers, and residents have been stranded on both sides, disrupting daily life and trade.