Pak-Afghan border remains closed as talks fail again

The Torkham border crossing, a key trade and transit point between Afghanistan and Pakistan, remains closed as the second round of ceasefire talks between religious, political, and tribal elders from both sides could not yield a breakthrough. According to media reports, the border was expected to reopen yesterday. Security officials from both sides are scheduled to meet today to discuss and decide on its reopening.

The crossing has been closed since February 21 for all types of movement due to rising tensions over Afghan forces



constructing facilities near the disputed border. The situation at the border escalated on March 4 when talks for reopening the crossing failed, leading to an exchange of fire between Pakistani security forces and the Afghan Taliban fighters, which resulted in the death of many armed forces personnel and civilians near the border.

Torkham, one of the most important crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan, handles the largest volume of trade and movement between the two countries.