KHYBER: Pakistan and Afghanistan border authorities agreed to reopen the Torkham crossing today at 4pm. The border remained shut for 26 days following the Afghan officials’ controversial construction near zero point on the Pakistani side.
The decision was taken in a flag meeting held between Pak-Afghan officials at the zero point of the Torkham.
It was decided in the meeting that patients will also be allowed to enter the Torkham border today for treatment on humanitarian grounds.
Earlier, the Afghan Jirga has convinced top Afghan officials to honour the joint decision of both countries’ Jirgas and abolish controversial constructions near the Pakistani border that forced the closure of the main trade route between the two countries.
Ziaul Haq Sarhadi, Senior Vice President of the Pakistan-Afghan Joint Chamber of Commerce, confirmed that trade and traffic will resume after the meeting. Customs officials and security personnel have been summoned for duty.
Tensions began on February 21 when Afghan forces started controversial constructions near the Pakistani border. The dispute led to the closure of the Torkham crossing, causing severe economic losses.
Bilateral trade has lost an estimated $78 million in tax revenue over the past 26 days. Daily bilateral trade losses amount to $3 million. Thousands of cargo trucks remain stranded on both sides of the border.
According to Jirga sources, Afghan officials have agreed to halt all controversial construction until further discussions. The final decision will be taken in a Joint Coordination Committee meeting, where both countries will determine the next steps.
If an agreement is reached today, freight vehicles and travellers will be allowed to pass through.
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On average, 10,000 people use the Torkham crossing daily. Earlier today, the authorities had mobilised immigration officers, police, and customs staff to prepare for a possible reopening.
