Torkham Border Remains Closed For Ninth Day, No Indication Of Reopening From Pakistan

The Torkham border crossing has remained closed for nine consecutive days, with Pakistani authorities yet to provide a timeline for its reopening.

Shafqat Ali Khan, spokesperson for Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, previously stated that the closure was triggered by the Taliban’s attempt to construct a checkpoint on Pakistani territory.

According to the Associated Press, over 5,000 trucks carrying perishable goods such as fruits and vegetables remain stranded, awaiting the resumption of cross-border movement. Meanwhile, Taliban trade officials in Nangarhar province have reported that the closure is causing daily losses of approximately $500,000 to Afghanistan’s private sector.

Torkham, a crucial trade route between Afghanistan and Pakistan, was shut down after Pakistani authorities raised objections to the Taliban’s construction of a new checkpoint. The blockade has reportedly resulted in financial losses exceeding $12 million for Afghan traders.

During a press briefing in Islamabad on Friday, Shafqat Ali Khan stated that Pakistan had communicated its concerns to Taliban officials and urged them to resolve the matter through diplomatic negotiations.

Official sources confirm that discussions are ongoing, but there is still no indication of when the border will reopen.