Pakistan and Afghanistan moved closer to reopening the Torkham border crossing on Monday, as jirgas from the neighboring countries reached consensus on a ceasefire and the resumption of trade ties.
The Pak-Afghan Jirga agreed to temporarily halt all controversial construction activities on the Afghan side of the border. Syed Jawad Hussain Kazmi, leader of the Pakistani side, confirmed that the Afghan side had committed to suspending disputed construction by Afghan forces, pending further consultations with Afghan authorities.
He said the construction issue would be taken up in the next Joint Chamber of Commerce meeting, where a final decision on the matter would be made. In the meantime, he said, trade routes would reopen, ensuring uninterrupted cross-border commerce.
According to Kazmi, a date for the next meeting of the Joint Chamber of Commerce would be determined through mutual consultation, marking an important next step in resolving the longstanding issue.
Additionally, officials from Pakistan’s Frontier Corps and Afghan authorities are set to meet today (Tuesday). The reopening of the Torkham border crossing is likely to follow their discussions.
The Torkham border crossing was closed to all forms of traffic on Feb. 21 after tensions escalated when Afghan forces began construction inside Pakistani territory.