Pakistan and Afghanistan have reached a significant agreement to halt hostilities and reopen the Torkham trade route, which had been closed for nearly a month due to escalating border tensions. The agreement was finalized during a Pak-Afghan jirga (traditional assembly) aimed at addressing the issues at the Khyber-Torkham crossing, one of the most crucial border points between the two nations.
Jawad Hussain, a Pakistani member of the jirga, confirmed to Geo News that both sides had agreed to cease all military actions and fully restore trade and travel across the vital border crossing. This decision was seen as a step toward reducing tensions and normalizing relations between the neighboring countries.
In addition to the ceasefire and reopening of the border, the jirga also decided to temporarily halt disputed construction work by Afghan forces along the border. The Afghan delegation requested additional time to consult with their authorities before proceeding with any further actions on this matter. Hussain clarified that the Afghan jirga would update their officials about the halt in construction, with the issue set to be revisited at the next Joint Chamber of Commerce meeting.
The final decision on the disputed construction will be made at that meeting, while trade activities at Torkham will continue without disruption in the meantime. The date for this follow-up meeting will be decided through mutual agreement between the two parties.
Furthermore, Pakistani and Afghan officials, including representatives from Pakistan’s Frontier Corps (FC), are scheduled to meet today to discuss the future of the border situation. The reopening of the Torkham trade route is expected to proceed following these discussions, marking a positive step toward cooperation and stability in the region.
The Torkham border crossing had been shut down on February 21 due to rising tensions after Afghan forces began construction inside Pakistani territory. The reopening of the route signals progress in resolving this dispute and restoring normal trade and movement between the two countries.