The Torkham border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan remained closed for the 26th consecutive day on Tuesday after another round of talks between tribal elders and business representatives from both sides failed to yield a breakthrough.
A second meeting between Afghan and Pakistani delegates, held Monday afternoon, ended without an agreement to reopen the critical border crossing, sources told Amu TV. Afghan representatives reportedly requested more time to consult with Taliban leadership, while the Taliban have continued construction of new border outposts—a key point of contention with Pakistani authorities.
The prolonged closure has caused significant financial losses for traders on both sides. Monday’s negotiations included 35 representatives from Pakistan and 25 from Afghanistan, but no resolution was reached.
Khan Jan Alokozai, a board member of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, expressed frustration over the impasse.
“We told both governments that keeping this crossing closed is creating major problems and urged them to reopen it,” Alokozai said. “The Pakistani side insisted that border outpost construction was the issue and that work must stop. We explained that this is a government matter, and we are not Taliban representatives. When we relayed this to the governor of Nangarhar, he said he would need instructions from higher leadership.”
The closure has left travelers and traders stranded, with many expressing frustration over the uncertainty.
The ongoing blockade is seen as a sign of escalating tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban, with both sides refusing to back down. The situation has also led to intermittent clashes between Pakistani border forces and Taliban fighters, resulting in casualties on both sides.
