Torkham, 15 September, 2023(GNP): Pakistan-Afghanistan border crossing at Torkham has re-opened to pedestrians and vehicles following a nine-day closure due to clashes between the security forces of the two states.
Muhammad Anas, a Pakistani official, confirmed the reopening, with immigration and customs services resuming normal operations.
Officials in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province also confirmed the reopening of this critical crossing. The border was closed on 6 September after an exchange of fire between Pakistani and Afghan border forces, resulting in casualties.
Pakistan claimed that Afghanistan was constructing illegal structures near the crossing, leading to unprovoked firing by Afghan forces and the subsequent closure.
In contrast, the Afghan Taliban government asserted they were repairing an old security post when Pakistani forces initiated the gunfire, placing blame on Islamabad for hindering the transit point’s reopening.
Read more: Pakistan raises concerns over Afghan border structures
The closure had significant financial repercussions for traders, with hundreds of trucks queued at the border, impacting livelihoods and family reunions, according to Qari Nazim Gul of the All-Pakistan Customs Agents Association.
Security measures at the border crossing have been heightened. Pakistan and Afghanistan maintain strained relations, with Pakistan accusing Afghanistan of harboring Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants, a claim that Afghan authorities vehemently deny.
