Pakistan, Taliban Agree To Reopen Torkham Border After Talks, Says Pakistani Media

The Taliban government remains under strict economic and military sanctions, raising questions about the source of its modern weaponry. Since taking control of Afghanistan in 2021, the group has seized American arms left behind in the country. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly urged the Taliban to return these weapons.

On Monday, Fitrat said the main goal of modernising the Taliban’s military is to protect Afghanistan’s borders and uphold Islamic values. “We do not seek war or conflict with neighbouring countries or the world,” he said. “We prefer dialogue and reconciliation.”

However, he warned that any force challenging the Taliban would face a response similar to that experienced by past superpowers. His remarks referenced the defeats of British, Soviet, and U.S. forces in Afghanistan.

His comments come amid rising tensions between the Taliban and Pakistan. Islamabad has signalled its willingness to target militant groups inside Afghan territory, further straining relations.

Despite Fitrat’s announcement, there is no confirmation that the Taliban has entered negotiations with any country to acquire modern arms. With many senior Taliban officials still on the United Nations’ blacklist, it remains unclear which nation would supply weapons to the group.

Russia’s representative at the UNSC stated that lasting peace in Afghanistan is possible but requires a comprehensive and pragmatic approach, including engagement with the Taliban.

Pakistan, which supported the extension, identified terrorism as Afghanistan’s main challenge. Its representative accused the Taliban of failing to contain ISIS and alleged their involvement in attacks by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Citing recent attacks in Pakistan, he claimed to have evidence of financial links to sources in Afghanistan and urged the Security Council to take immediate action.

The extended UNAMA mandate includes monitoring human rights, women’s and girls’ rights, peace and security, economic and humanitarian conditions, counterterrorism, drug trafficking, refugees, and the impact of natural disasters.

UNAMA was originally established on March 28, 2002, under UNSC Resolution 1401, to support the Afghan people. However, the Taliban has dismissed its mission as a “failure.” Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid accused the UN agency of issuing negative and inaccurate reports that misrepresent Afghanistan’s situation, claiming they distort the country’s image within the UN.

The talks focused on halting construction, achieving a ceasefire, and reopening the border, which has been closed for 25 days. In a video obtained by Afghanistan International, Pakistani negotiators are seen urging the Taliban to cease construction, which initially triggered clashes. Taliban representatives said they needed time until Monday evening to consult their leadership before making a final decision.

Syed Jawad Hussain Kazmi, head of the Pakistani delegation, expressed hope that stopping the construction could lead to an end to the conflict. Meanwhile, Zalmay Azimi, a member of the Nangarhar Chamber of Commerce, stated that the prolonged border closure has caused $90 million in losses to Afghanistan’s private sector. He also noted that thousands of trucks carrying commercial goods remain stranded on both sides.

Azimi remained hopeful that the crossing would reopen soon, possibly within the next day. The Torkham border has now been closed for nearly a month due to ongoing clashes and Pakistan’s opposition to the Taliban’s construction activities, prolonging tensions between the two sides.

Abdul Mateen Qani, the ministry’s spokesperson, dismissed the claims on Monday. He called them false and urged media outlets to stop spreading “propaganda far from reality.”

In an official statement, the ministry insisted the reports were baseless. It called on journalists to verify information before publishing.

Speculation about Haqqani’s resignation arose due to his prolonged absence from the ministry, lasting nearly 50 days. After visiting the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, he did not return to Kabul. Instead, he moved to his hometown in Khost. Sources say he has been frequently shifting between Khost and North Waziristan.

Neither Haqqani nor his representatives have given an official explanation for his extended absence.

Reports of tensions between Haqqani and Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada have surfaced repeatedly. Haqqani has previously criticised the group’s leadership. In a speech last December, he indirectly challenged Akhundzada, stating, “One should not think that just because I am the ruler, everyone must accept my words, and if they don’t, the sky will fall.”

The move follows accusations that Afghan territory was used in the recent attack on the Jaffar Express train.

Pakistani officials conveyed strong objections to the Taliban representative. They reminded Shekib of the group’s international commitment under the Doha Agreement, which prohibits the use of Afghan soil against Pakistan.

According to the report, Pakistani authorities warned that a group designated as a terrorist organisation by international bodies had used Afghan territory for its “heinous acts.”

The summons comes after last week’s attack by Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) militants, who bombed railway tracks and took more than 440 passengers hostage. Pakistani military forces launched an operation to rescue the hostages, killing 33 attackers. However, before the operation began, Baloch militants executed 26 passengers, including 18 security personnel. Four more security forces were killed during the rescue mission.

Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Pakistan’s Army spokesperson, claimed that the attack was planned and directed by Baloch separatists based in Afghanistan. He stated that intelligence reports confirmed terrorist networks operating from Afghan territory. He also alleged that one of the key attackers was a former Afghan army soldier now engaged in terrorist activities against Pakistan.

Geo News reported that Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Taliban to prevent terrorist groups from using Afghan soil for attacks. The report highlighted an increase in terrorist incidents in Pakistan since the Taliban regained power in Kabul. It also noted that Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has gained greater operational freedom and access to safe havens in Afghanistan.