ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — The Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan reopened to passenger traffic on Saturday, nearly a month after a closure prompted by a dispute between the Taliban and Pakistani authorities.
While commercial traffic resumed earlier in the week, the crossing remained closed to travelers due to technical issues on Pakistan’s side, including the incomplete reconstruction of immigration processing facilities.
The crossing was initially scheduled to reopen for passengers on Friday, March 21, but delays in repairing Pakistan’s immigration infrastructure pushed the reopening to Saturday. Until now, only medical patients and goods shipments had been permitted to cross.
Commercial trucks began moving through the border on Wednesday, following a cease-fire agreement brokered by a jirga — a traditional tribal council — involving representatives from both sides.
The nearly monthlong closure severely disrupted cross-border trade and travel. More than 5,000 commercial trucks were stranded during the impasse, causing significant financial losses for traders in both countries.
The Torkham crossing is one of the main border points between Afghanistan and Pakistan, serving as a critical artery for commerce, humanitarian aid and daily movement between the two nations.
