TORKHAM, Pakistan — The Taliban are now seeking to resolve the ongoing Torkham border closure through diplomatic channels, sources familiar with the matter told Amu TV, after a planned meeting between tribal elders, business representatives from Pakistan, and a Taliban delegation was canceled.
The border crossing, a key trade and transit route between Afghanistan and Pakistan, has remained closed for 21 consecutive days, with previous attempts to reopen it proving unsuccessful.
According to sources, the final round of negotiations—scheduled for Wednesday between Pakistani tribal elders, business leaders, and a Taliban-appointed delegation—was abruptly called off.
Khan Jan Alokozay, a senior member of Afghanistan’s Chamber of Commerce and Investment, emphasized that the issue should now be addressed at the governmental level rather than through informal negotiations.
“The jirga (tribal council) did not happen,” Alokozay said. “This is an official, governmental matter that should be resolved between the two governments. A jirga works for tribal disputes, but this is an issue between two nations that have their own ministries and policies.”
The economic impact of the prolonged closure has been severe on both sides of the border, disrupting trade and leaving thousands of trucks loaded with food, medicine, and humanitarian aid stranded.
The World Food Programme (WFP) has voiced concerns over the humanitarian consequences, stating that trucks carrying life-saving supplies have been stuck on both sides of the crossing.
The Pakistani Foreign Ministry previously stated that the closure was imposed due to the Taliban’s construction of a border post near Torkham, which Islamabad views as a security threat.
Tensions have also led to multiple armed clashes between Pakistani forces and the Taliban in recent weeks. Local reports indicate that at least three Taliban fighters were killed and 11 Pakistani soldiers wounded in the skirmishes.
Despite the growing crisis, a resolution remains elusive, and it is unclear when the border will reopen.
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