Ashrafuddin Pirzada
LANDIKOTAL: The grand jirga between Pak-Afghan elders and traders convened for the second consecutive day on Monday, sources said, aiming to peacefully resolve the ongoing bunker dispute between Pakistan and Afghanistan at the Torkham border.
They said that both sides would observe a ceasefire until March 11 as tribal elders, traders, and officials remained engaged in intense negotiations to reopen the vital crossing, which had remained shut for the past 17 days.
For over two weeks, trade and movement between the two countries were severely affected due to heightened tensions over the construction of a security bunker near the border. The closure led to massive losses for traders, long queues of stranded trucks carrying perishable goods and hardships for travelers on both sides.
The stalemate had also sparked concerns about a prolonged economic impact on the region.
In contrast to the past two weeks of deadlock and uncertainty, Monday saw a peaceful atmosphere at the crossing. The ceasefire, agreed upon by the grand jirga, has brought a sense of relief to the border town.
Officials and negotiators on both sides are optimistic that a resolution is within reach, paving the way for the reopening of the border soon.
Jirga members, representing both Pakistan and Afghanistan, stated that significant progress had been made during the negotiations. “We have reached the maximum level of understanding, and soon the nations will hear good news regarding the border’s reopening,” a Jirga representative told Lead Pakistan. However, they refrained from disclosing specific terms of the possible settlement.
The business community, particularly traders who suffered immense losses due to the closure, has urged both governments to expedite the resolution process.
“Every passing day is costing us millions. The authorities must act swiftly to ensure that trade resumes without further delay,” said Torkham Customs clearing agent president Mujeeb Khan Shinwari. He said Pakistani traders had been waiting with their consignments of fruits and vegetables at the border.
Hundreds of passengers, including patients and students, have faced extreme difficulties due to the border shutdown. “I have been waiting for over two weeks to cross into Afghanista,” said an Afghan national stranded at Torkham. Many others have been forced to stay in makeshift accommodations near the border, hoping for a breakthrough in negotiations.
The grand jirga had earlier announced a ceasefire until March 11, urging both Pakistan and Afghanistan to avoid any further escalation. Tribal elders emphasized that peace was the only way forward as prolonged hostilities would be detrimental to both nations.
While the atmosphere remained calm, security forces on both sides continued to monitor the situation closely. Additional troops had been deployed after clashes erupted last month over the disputed bunker, leading to casualties on both sides. Authorities have maintained a heightened state of alert to prevent any untoward incidents.
The recent tensions stem from Afghanistan’s construction of a security bunker near the border, which Pakistani authorities opposed, citing a violation of previous agreements. The disagreement escalated into armed clashes, prompting the closure of the crossing and further straining already fragile bilateral relations.
The prolonged closure has had far-reaching economic consequences. Torkham serves as a critical trade artery, and its shutdown has led to inflationary pressures in local markets, affecting both Pakistani and Afghan consumers. Afghan traders have particularly suffered as they rely heavily on Pakistani routes for their imports and exports.
Diplomatic efforts have been underway to defuse tensions with high-level discussions between Pakistani and Afghan officials. Both sides recognize the strategic importance of Torkham and have expressed a willingness to find a sustainable solution.
Jirga elders have urged both governments to work towards a long-term agreement to prevent future border disputes. “This is not just about today’s issue; we need a permanent mechanism to handle such disputes peacefully,” one jirga member said.
As negotiations continue, all eyes are on the coming days, with hopes that an agreement will soon be finalized. The border’s reopening would mark a significant step toward restoring normalcy, benefiting traders, travelers and both nations’ economies. With the ceasefire in place and talks progressing, stakeholders remain cautiously optimistic that the stalemate will soon come to an end.
