TORGHAM, Pakistan — The second round of talks between elders and community leaders from Afghanistan and Pakistan is expected today, Wednesday, aimed at reopening the Torkham border crossing that has remained closed for the past 20 days.
Pakistani media reported that the meeting, scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Pakistan time, 9:45 CET, at the zero point of the border, aims to find a solution for reopening the crossing and de-escalating border tensions.
A 32-member Pakistani delegation is expected to travel to Torkham for the talks. Reports suggest that if the Taliban agree to halt the construction of new security posts and infrastructure in the disputed area, the border closure and tensions may be resolved.
Gul Murad, head of the Afghan tribal delegation, confirmed that consultations with the Taliban have concluded and that they will participate in Wednesday’s meeting. Meanwhile, Sayed Jawad Hussain Kazemi, another participant, said that a ceasefire would remain in place during the negotiations.
Two days earlier, representatives from both sides met for initial talks, agreeing to survey the disputed areas where the Taliban have built security posts. The first meeting resulted in a preliminary agreement that if the contested land is determined to be Pakistani territory, the Taliban would halt construction, allowing the crossing to reopen.
However, the deadline for a resolution has passed, and no final agreement has been reached. The border remains closed, disrupting trade and travel.
Pakistani authorities have previously stated that the closure was enforced in response to the Taliban’s construction activities near the border. The standoff has led to sporadic clashes between Taliban forces and Pakistani border guards, resulting in at least five deaths, including three Taliban fighters, a Pakistani officer, and a truck driver. More than 10 others, including three Pakistani soldiers, have been wounded.
The Torkham crossing is a critical trade and transit route between Afghanistan and Pakistan, and the prolonged closure has inflicted economic losses on both sides. The outcome of the ongoing negotiations remains uncertain.
