The Torkham border crossing remained closed to the general public andbusiness activities for the sixth consecutive day on Sunday due to anongoing dispute between Pakistani and Afghan border security officials.This deadlock emerged following an exchange of gunfire that took place lastWednesday, leading to the abrupt closure of the border. The situation hasleft countless individuals and businesses on both sides of the bordergrappling with significant disruptions.
In an attempt to resolve the impasse, representatives from both Pakistanand Afghanistan convened for discussions. On the Pakistani side, thedelegation was led by Khyber Rifles Commandant Asim Kiyani, Lt Col AhmadMujtaba of Chitral Scouts, Lt Col Zainul Abideen, and Maj Shahabuddin.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan was represented by Hafiz Asmatullah Yaqoobi fromGumrak (Customs), Qari Meraj from the border security forces, and MulaviTakal.
During the meeting, both parties addressed the critical issue of bordersecurity, with Afghan officials alleging that Pakistani border forcesinitiated the firing on September 6 while construction work on new securityposts was underway. In response, the Afghan side refuted these claims,asserting that they were not responsible for initiating the gunfire.
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The discussions led to agreements on certain key points. Among them,Afghanistan committed to informing Pakistan about any developments relatedto the construction of new structures within a hundred-meter radius of theborder.
Pakistani officials expressed their willingness to support the rebuildingof old posts or security infrastructure. Despite these agreements, theTorkham border’s continued closure underscores the pressing need for aswift resolution to ensure the resumption of normalcy for the people andbusinesses affected by this protracted dispute
