ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry has warned that the Torkham border crossing will remain closed unless the Taliban stop constructing facilities along the border, escalating tensions over the critical trade route between the two countries.
In a statement, the ministry said the closure, now in its 22nd day, was a direct result of Taliban attempts to build security posts inside Pakistani territory. Islamabad has reiterated that while it wants to reopen the crossing, it will not allow construction by Afghan authorities on its soil.
“We want the border to reopen, but we will not allow the Afghan side to carry out construction on Pakistani territory,” the Foreign Ministry said. “This has happened before, and we have repeatedly warned against such actions, which disrupt not only cross-border trade but also people-to-people exchanges.”
The Taliban, however, insist that the structures were being built within Afghanistan’s borders. Despite the standoff, sources told Amu that the Taliban are seeking a diplomatic resolution to the impasse.
Talks stall as trade losses mount
Efforts to resolve the dispute through informal tribal negotiations between Taliban and Pakistani representatives have so far failed, with the final round of talks between unofficial delegations from both sides being canceled.
Meanwhile, thousands of trucks carrying commercial goods and humanitarian aid remain stranded on both sides of the border, causing significant financial losses to traders.
“We have been stuck here for weeks, and the losses are piling up,” said one truck driver. “This closure is affecting businesses on both sides.”
The World Food Program (WFP) has also raised concerns about the blockade, stating that its relief shipments, including food aid, are among the thousands of trucks held up at the border.
The Torkham crossing is Afghanistan’s primary trade route with Pakistan, and its prolonged closure threatens to further strain relations between the two nations. While diplomatic talks appear to be the next course of action, it remains unclear when or if a resolution will be reached.
