Torkham border crossing remains closed for nearly a week causing significant disruption in trade activities causing financial loss to the country.
The Pakistani authorities closed the Torkham border crossing on February 21 after Afghanistan attempted to build a post in a disputed area leading to high tensions between the neighbours.
Both sides adopted defensive positions after negotiations ended in a deadlock while Pakistani authorities relocated customs, immigration and police away from the Torkham border crossing.
On February 21, hundreds of travelers were stuck after the crossing was closed by Pakistan. The people expected the crossing to open soon but many had to spend the night at the border.
Since the closure, the bilateral trade between the two countries has taken a hit causing concerns for the livelihoods of traders and transporters.
Reportedly, thousands of people cross the Torkham border daily who are now stranded at the crossing due to its closure.
Geo News reported that several rounds of negotiations took place between Afghan and Pakistan authorities but remained unfruitful.
It should be highlighted that Torkham serves as an important corridor for transportation of goods between Pakistan and Central Asian region.
Pakistan is connected to the Central Asian region by roads only through land-locked Afghanistan.
