Business leaders from Afghanistan and Pakistan recently engaged in talks regarding the reopening of the Torkham border crossing to facilitate trade between the two nations. The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, along with their Pakistani counterparts, have agreed to form a joint delegation for discussions on this matter. Pakistan’s Chamber of Industry proposed the talks during a virtual meeting, which was accepted by the Afghan side to address trade disruptions.
The joint delegation, comprising 12 members from each side, is set to convene in Jalalabad next week to deliberate on the practical steps needed for the reopening process. The initial phase aims to allow stranded cargo containers to cross the border, with subsequent discussions focusing on fully reopening the Torkham crossing.
The Torkham border crossing serves as a crucial trade route between Afghanistan and Pakistan, facilitating the transportation of significant quantities of food, fuel, and commercial goods. Recently, a protest took place in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region, demanding the immediate reopening of the Torkham border. The demonstration, organized by various groups and individuals affected by the border closure since October 12, emphasized the economic hardships faced by the local community due to the halt in cross-border trade.
The closure of the Torkham border has had severe economic repercussions, leading to financial distress for numerous families who relied on the border for their livelihoods. The protesters highlighted the border’s significance as a vital business link to Central Asia and urged both Afghanistan and Pakistan to separate trade issues from political and security concerns. They also called for the inclusion of influential tribal elders and trade representatives in future peace and trade dialogues between the two nations.
