Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to a ceasefire and the reopening of the Torkham trade route, a critical border crossing that has been closed since February 21 due to escalating tensions over disputed construction activities by Afghan forces inside Pakistani territory.

Key Developments:

  • Ceasefire Agreement: During a Pak-Afghan jirga held at the Khyber-Torkham crossing, both sides consented to halt hostilities and resume trade and travel operations.
  • Suspension of Disputed Construction: The joint jirga decided to temporarily suspend the contentious construction by Afghan forces. The Afghan delegation has requested time until the evening to consult their authorities on this matter.
  • Future Discussions: The final decision regarding the disputed construction will be addressed in the next meeting of the Joint Chamber of Commerce. In the interim, trade activities at the crossing are set to resume. The date for the subsequent meeting will be determined through mutual consultation.
  • Security Discussions: Officials from Pakistan’s Frontier Corps (FC) and Afghan authorities are scheduled to meet to discuss security arrangements. The reopening of the Torkham trade route is anticipated following these discussions.

Background:

The Torkham border crossing was closed on February 21 after tensions escalated when Afghan forces initiated construction within Pakistani territory, leading to clashes and a subsequent shutdown of the vital trade route.