Torkham border to reopen today after 25-day closure
The Pak-Afghan Torkham border is set to reopen today after being closed for 25 days, following an agreement reached by a tribal jirga.
The jirga has decided to halt disputed constructions and allow the Torkham trade route to resume operations.
Afghan Consul General Hafiz Mohibullah Shakir showed that the border could reopen within 48 to 72 hours and called for an extension for Afghan nationals wishing to return home.
He emphasized the importance of the upcoming Eid festival, stating it should not bring hardships to families.
The head of the Pakistani delegation at the Jirga talks, Syed Jawad Hussain Kazmi, confirmed that the trade route is expected to open today, as Afghan authorities have consented to stop the disputed construction.
A flag meeting is scheduled at the Torkham border at 9am to finalize arrangements.
After the flag meeting, the trade route will be opened, and a ceasefire will remain in effect until the Joint Coordinating Committee (JCC) meeting takes place.
Security officials have expressed satisfaction with the Afghan authorities’ decision.
The closure of the Torkham border has had significant economic repercussions, resulting in a $1 billion decrease in the annual trade volume between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The border was shut down due to rising tensions caused by construction activities by Afghan forces near the border three weeks ago.
The closure has halted all types of traffic, leading to an estimated daily loss of $300,000, and has decreased the annual trade volume between the two countries from $2.5 billion to $1.5 billion.
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