KABUL — Pakistani Special Envoy for Afghanistan Mohammad Sadiq Khan held a high-level meeting with Taliban at the Torkham border crossing on Monday, as both sides sought to address rising tensions and logistical challenges at the key transit point.
According to a statement released on Tuesday by the Taliban-run Ministry of Refugees, the “special meeting” brought together commissioners from both sides and focused on expanding bilateral trade, easing restrictions on patients seeking cross-border treatment, and resolving issues faced by travelers and migrants.
The two sides reportedly agreed to introduce dedicated transport vehicles to streamline the movement of goods across the border — an effort aimed at reducing congestion and facilitating commerce.
Sadiq, writing on social media platform X, described the atmosphere of the talks as one of “warmth, cooperation, and mutual respect,” underscoring Islamabad’s desire for more stable ties with the Taliban authorities.
The meeting comes amid growing pressure at Torkham, one of the busiest border crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Thousands of people cross daily, but many Afghan travelers report harsh treatment and delays, particularly those being forcibly deported under Pakistan’s ongoing repatriation campaign.
Torkham has frequently been a flashpoint in the often strained relations between the Taliban and Pakistani security forces, with the crossing periodically closed in recent years following military skirmishes or diplomatic disputes.
Pakistan has expelled tens of thousands of undocumented Afghan nationals since late 2023, drawing criticism from rights groups and humanitarian agencies, who cite widespread accounts of mistreatment and inadequate support for returnees.
