Kabul: The Torkham border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan remained closed as the second round of ceasefire talks between designated religious, political, and tribal elders from both sides could not yield a breakthrough. The border was all set to open this week after almost a month of closure due to escalating tensions between the two nations over the construction of facilities by Afghan forces around the disputed border, according to media reports, IANS reported.
The situation in the Torkham border escalated on March 4 when talks for reopening the crossing failed, leading to an exchange of fire between Pakistani security forces and the Afghan Taliban fighters. The violent clashes have resulted in the death of many armed forces personnel and civilians near the border.
Afghan sources said the Taliban rejected the Pakistani delegation’s proposal to halt the construction of two posts near the border. They added that stated that the conditions presented by the Pakistan government were against the Islamic Emirate’s policies and international principles, leading to their rejection.
The prolonged closure has caused significant financial losses for traders on both sides. The Pakistani officials stated that all sorts of trade, including the transit trade, remained halted during the 24-day closure of the border. The cumulative losses to the national kitty because of the closure amounted to $72 million. Hundreds of travelers and patients, along with thousands of freight trucks, remain stranded on both sides of the Torkham crossing due to the standoff.
