The Torkham border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan has remained closed for the fifth consecutive day, with negotiations between Taliban and Pakistani border officials failing to reach a resolution.
According to Pakistan’s Geo News, customs officials estimate that the closure of this crucial trade route has resulted in losses of approximately $12 million over the past four days.
On Wednesday, Pakistani immigration authorities reported that thousands of travellers are stranded on both sides of the border. Before the closure, an estimated 10,000 people crossed daily, highlighting the significant impact on trade, commerce, and humanitarian travel.
Meanwhile, The News Pakistan reported that multiple rounds of negotiations between Taliban and Pakistani officials have so far failed to resolve the standoff.
The border was shut down by Pakistan on Friday night following a dispute over the installation of a signboard by Pakistani officials and the Taliban’s subsequent construction of a security checkpoint.
This is not the first time the Torkham crossing has been closed since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan. The border has frequently been used as a political tool by Pakistan amid ongoing tensions with the Taliban, with closures often triggered by clashes between Taliban and Pakistani border forces.
