KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – Talks between Afghan and Pakistani traders and tribal elders on reopening the Torkham border crossing ended without an agreement, sources from the Nangarhar Chamber of Commerce and Investment said.
The meeting, held on Sunday, March 9, on the Pakistani side of the border, was attended by dozens of traders and elders from both countries.
However, no representatives from the Taliban or the Pakistani government were present. Participants engaged in discussions after consulting with their respective authorities.
Afghan traders and elders urged Pakistan to lift all restrictions and reopen the crossing unconditionally, emphasizing the need to separate trade from political disputes. They also called on Islamabad to avoid using border closures as leverage in future conflicts.
Pakistani traders and elders, in turn, asked the Taliban to halt construction near the Durand Line at least until the tenth day of Eid al-Fitr. Both sides agreed to convey these demands to their respective authorities and reconvene in two days for further discussions.
Pakistan closed the Torkham crossing 16 days ago in protest against Taliban-initiated construction near the border. The closure has left hundreds of cargo trucks, travelers, and patients stranded on both sides, severely disrupting trade and movement.
The Nangarhar Chamber of Commerce estimates Afghan traders are losing approximately $500,000 for each day the crossing remains shut. Meanwhile, Taliban forces and Pakistani border guards have clashed at least three times since the shutdown, escalating tensions.
As a key trade route, Torkham’s prolonged closure has driven up prices of essential goods in Afghan markets, adding to the country’s economic strain.
