Torkham border tension: Pak-Afghan jirgas agree to resume talks

LANDIKOTAL: The elders from Pakistan and Afghanistan on Thursday agreed to resume dialogue through their respective jirgas to ease tensions at the Torkham border.

Sources said the Pakistani jirga revised its member list to address Afghan delegation’s concerns paving the way for renewed negotiations aimed at reopening the crucial border crossing.

They said the Pakistani jirga led by Syed Jawad Hussain Kazmi stated that the discussions had stalled after the Afghan jirga raised objections to certain members of the Pakistani delegation. In response, Pakistan reviewed and finalised a new 50-member list, removing irrelevant individuals. The revised list was shared with the Afghan officials and they have expressed satisfaction with the changes.

Kazmi further stated that the Afghan jirga would decide the timing of the next negotiation session. “We expect a formal meeting in the next one or two days, which will hopefully lead to the resolution of the border crisis,” he said.

Tensions at the Torkham crossing began 22 days ago when Afghan forces started unauthorised construction near the border. Pakistan viewed the move as a violation of border protocols, leading to a security standoff. As a result, Pakistan sealed the border, halting all trade and pedestrian movement between the two countries.

The closure of Torkham, one of the busiest border crossings between Pakistan and Afghanistan, has had severe economic consequences. Thousands of trucks carrying goods, including perishable items, have been stranded on both sides, causing significant financial losses to traders.