Pakistan and the Taliban have reached an agreement in principle to reopen the Torkham border crossing, and drivers stranded on both sides say the passage may resume within the next 24 to 48 hours.
Hundreds of freight trucks remain blocked at the border as fears mount that trade is being held hostage to diplomacy. One driver said: “We face high costs. We ask both countries to open the crossing soon. We are in serious trouble.”
While a truce signed in Doha has halted the gunfire between Pakistan and Taliban, all other major crossings remain closed and commercial flow remains stalled. Only the Spin Boldak crossing was reopened earlier this week on a limited basis for cargo vehicles.
At Torkham and other closures along the busy route, drivers sleep beside their trucks overnight and worry about theft, wear and tear, and mounting costs. “It’s unclear when the crossing will open,” another driver said. “We ask that transport not be politicized. The hardship is great.”
Economists say the closed border has already cost both countries millions of afghanis in lost trade.
Analysts warn the truce remains fragile, as Pakistan continues to press the Taliban to crack down on militant groups such as the Tehrik‑e‑Taliban Pakistan, whom Islamabad accuses of operating from Afghan territory.
