Negotiations between Pakistani and Afghan officials have failed to achieve an agreement on reopening the Torkham border crossing, which has been closed since February 21, 2025, due to disputes over border infrastructure construction.
This prolonged closure has severely disrupted bilateral trade and the movement of people, with over 5,000 trucks carrying goods stranded on both sides, leading to significant financial losses for traders.
The Torkham crossing is a vital trade corridor between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with an estimated 700 to 800 trucks and 4,000 to 5,000 passengers crossing daily.
The closure has left many travelers, including women and children, stranded in harsh winter conditions, forced to sleep in vehicles or in the open.
Despite multiple rounds of talks between border officials, no consensus has been reached, prompting both sides to refer the matter to higher authorities in Islamabad and Kabul.
Local authorities and business leaders are urging a swift resolution to alleviate the humanitarian and economic hardships resulting from the closure.
