KHYBER: After two rounds of talks with its Pakistani counterpart, the Afghan Jirga has reached Kabul and met top Afghan government officials.
According to media reports, the 25-member Afghan Jirga discussed Pakistan’s stance on the Torkham border closure with the Taliban officials.
Jirga sources say Afghan officials will be urged to halt construction on Pakistani territory near the border. Pakistani representatives will consult Afghan authorities in the next session.
“If Afghan officials agree to stop the disputed construction, the border can reopen,” a Jirga representative source said.
The Torkham crossing, a vital trade and travel route, has remained closed for 18 days. Pakistani authorities blame the closure on new Taliban-built checkpoints near the border.
The shutdown is causing severe financial losses. Pakistani customs officials estimate daily losses of $3 million for businesses on both sides.
The closure has also left hundreds of travellers stranded. On average, 1,000 people cross Torkham daily, but many are now stuck without a clear solution in sight.
As tensions persist, concerns grow over a prolonged crisis. The timeline for further negotiations and a possible resolution remains uncertain.
