Afghanistan Peace Campaign
The Torkham border crossing has been closed for five days, causing significant problems for travelers and traders on both sides of the border. This closure has disrupted normal movement and trade, creating a severe bottleneck for businesses and individuals relying on this route.
According to local sources, the closure on Wednesday, February 26, was due to the construction of a Taliban checkpoint and facilities near the border. The Pakistani border forces took this action in response to the security concerns posed by these developments on the Afghanistan side.
Pakistani media have reported that the closure of the Torkham crossing is resulting in daily losses of approximately $3 million for traders on both sides. The ongoing shutdown is having a detrimental effect on trade and travel, exacerbating the economic difficulties for people in the region.
So far, the Taliban has not taken any action to resolve the issue or reopen the crossing. Despite the growing concerns, the group has remained silent on the matter, leaving the situation unresolved for now.
Pakistan has not yet officially commented on the closure or provided a statement on how long it expects the situation to last. The tension remains high as the blockage continues, impacting both the local economy and daily life.
The Torkham border has been closed before due to border tensions. In August 2024, the crossing was shut down after clashes between Pakistani forces and the Taliban over road construction near the border. Similar closures have occurred at other crossings like Ghulam Khan and Kharlachi following military confrontations.
Despite ongoing talks between Taliban officials in Nangarhar and Pakistani authorities, no resolution has been reached. Pakistan has requested the Taliban halt construction near the border, but the Taliban have refused. As the closure continues, hundreds of trucks with essential goods are stranded, raising concerns about price hikes and shortages in Afghanistan.