Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – Border forces from Afghanistan and Pakistan have agreed to a two-day ceasefire at the Torkham crossing following weeks of intense clashes that left at least one person dead and stranded hundreds of travelers. The agreement, reached during a tribal assembly attended by leaders from both sides, aims to de-escalate tensions and pave the way for further negotiations.
The Torkham border, one of the busiest crossings between the two nations, was closed last month after a dispute over Pakistan’s construction of a new checkpoint. The closure has caused significant disruptions, with traders incurring millions of dollars in losses as trucks remain unable to cross. Approximately 10,000 people, mostly Afghans seeking medical treatment or work in Pakistan, use the crossing daily.
A senior Pakistani official told Anadolu news agency that both sides agreed to halt all construction activities along the border until the next round of talks, scheduled for Wednesday. The border is expected to reopen following these discussions.
The ceasefire marks a temporary reprieve in the ongoing tensions between the two neighbors, who have long struggled with border disputes and security challenges. The Torkham crossing, one of 18 between Afghanistan and Pakistan, is a vital lifeline for trade and travel, underscoring the urgency of resolving the conflict.
