Jirga strives to resolve issue as Torkham border remains closed for 18th day

LANDIKOTAL: The Pak-Afghan border at Torkham remained closed for the 18th consecutive day due to tensions over the construction of a banker by Afghan forces near the crossing as the jjirga continued its efforts to resolve the issue peacefully.

Sources said that the joint jirga had maintained a ceasefire till final decision with decisive negotiations set to take place today (Wednesday).

The conflict began when Afghan forces reportedly started building structures within Pakistani territory, prompting strong objections from Islamabad.

Pakistani authorities viewed the construction as a violation of border agreements and demanded an immediate halt, leading to a tense standoff between security forces on both sides.

As tensions escalated, Pakistan deployed additional troops to the border, reinforcing its position against what it called an “unlawful” expansion by Afghan forces.

In response, Afghan security personnel also increased their presence, further raising the risk of confrontation.

Both sides exchanged gunfire on the second day of the standoff, which caused several casualties. Both countries blamed each other for provoking the situation, with Afghan officials insisting that the construction was within their territory while Pakistan maintained that it violated bilateral agreements.

As the standoff continued, trade and movement across the Torkham border came to a complete halt. Hundreds of cargo trucks carrying essential goods, including perishable food items, were stranded on both sides, causing massive financial losses to traders and businesses in both countries.

Pakistani authorities estimated that over $52 million in trade losses had occurred due to the border closure. Immigration officials reported that, on average, 10,000 people cross Torkham daily, many of whom were left stranded, including patients seeking medical treatment, students, and workers.

Amid growing concerns over the economic and humanitarian impact of the blockade, diplomatic efforts were launched to de-escalate tensions. Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to form a joint jirga, comprising tribal elders, traders and officials from both sides to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

The jirga held its first meeting on the 15th day of the standoff, resulting in a temporary ceasefire. The Afghan delegation then traveled to Kabul and later Jalalabad for consultations with senior Afghan officials before engaging in further negotiations with their Pakistani counterparts.

Pakistani jirga leader Syed Jawad Hussain Kazmi said that Pakistan had made it clear that the construction work must stop for talks to succeed. Afghan officials, however, sought additional time to discuss the issue with their leadership before making a final decision.

On Tuesday, the Afghan jirga continued discussions with their government in Jalalabad instead of meeting the Pakistani delegation as planned at Torkham. However, both sides agreed to hold a final and decisive meeting at the Torkham border today (Wednesday).

Traders, transporters and residents on both sides of the border anxiously await the outcome of these talks, hoping for a resolution that would restore normal trade and movement. The Pakistani government has indicated that if Afghan forces agreed to halt construction, the border could be reopened immediately.

With the ceasefire still holding, the final meeting is expected to be the turning point in this prolonged crisis. The outcome would determine whether the Torkham border reopens peacefully or if tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalate once again.