Talks continue to ease tensions, reopen Torkham border

LANDIKOTAL: The second round of talks between Pakistani and Afghan jirgas was held on the Afghan side of the Torkham border on Monday as both sides sought to ease tensions and find a solution to the ongoing border closure, official sources said on Monday.

They said that the discussions, which took place amid heightened security, were aimed at resolving disputes that disrupted trade and movement for the past 24 days.

The Pakistani jirga, comprising 36 members in total including tribal elders and officials, placed three key demands before the Afghan side.The demands included an immediate ceasefire, halt to construction on the disputed bunker and the reopening of the border.

These demands were presented as essential steps toward restoring normalcy at the vital crossing point.According to Landikotal Mayor Shah Khalid Shinwari, the Afghan jirga agreed to ceasefire and stop work on the controversial bunker but requested time until the evening to decide on the reopening of the border.

He said that negotiations were successfully ongoing ahead as the Afghan jirga accepted their two demands. He said further progress was expected in the coming days.Shah Khalid said Afghan jirga sought time till evening to finalise the reopening procedure of the border with the Afghan high-ups.

The Torkham border crossing, one of the busiest trade and transit points between Pakistan and Afghanistan, has remained closed since clashes erupted between security forces over the construction of a bunker by Afghan forces in the disputed area on February 21.

The closure has left hundreds of trucks stranded on both sides, causing severe disruptions to trade and travel.

Traders and transporters have expressed frustration over the prolonged closure, citing heavy financial losses due to perishable goods going to waste and additional costs incurred by delays. Many businesses that rely on cross-border trade have also suffered, raising concerns about long-term economic consequences.

Pakistani security officials have reiterated their stance that no unilateral construction would be allowed in disputed areas and that such actions should be resolved through diplomatic channels. They have called for a permanent mechanism to prevent future conflicts at the border.

Afghan officials, on the other hand, have maintained that their forces were building the bunker for security purposes and not to alter the territorial status. However, they have shown a willingness to engage in dialogue to avoid further escalation.Residents on both sides of the border were directly affected by the closure, with many unable to cross for medical treatment, work, or family visits. The situation has added to the hardships already faced by communities in the border region.

Efforts to de-escalate tensions have continued, with both countries under pressure to find a solution that balances security concerns with the need to maintain trade and people-to-people movement. The outcome of the ongoing talks would be crucial in determining how quickly normalcy can be restored.

As negotiations progressed, officials remained hopeful that an agreement could be reached soon to reopen the border, providing relief to traders, travelers and residents affected by the standoff.