RASC News Agency: The Torkham border crossing remains closed for the 24th consecutive day, with no resolution in sight as negotiations between the Taliban and Pakistan remain stalled. The Taliban, after boycotting the second round of talks between tribal elders and business leaders from both sides, continue to insist on resolving the impasse through diplomatic means. Meanwhile, Pakistan has made the reopening of Torkham conditional on the Taliban halting military construction in the disputed border region. With no progress in sight, frustration is mounting among thousands of stranded travelers and truck drivers, who are demanding the immediate reopening of the crossing. Attempts at informal mediation through tribal jirgas have failed to yield results, while formal negotiations between Islamabad and the Taliban have yet to commence.
The economic impact of the closure has been catastrophic, with thousands of trucks carrying commercial goods stuck on both sides of the crossing, causing severe financial losses and uncertainty. Jawad, a truck driver stranded at Torkham, described the situation as dire, stating: “We have been trapped here for days with no hope of Torkham reopening. We have exhausted all our money and supplies, and now we have nothing left to eat. This closure has caused immense hardship for the people.” Other drivers echoed similar concerns. Mohammad, another trucker at Torkham, warned of the deteriorating conditions: “Each day, the situation worsens. There is no food or water, and we are forced to travel to Peshawar just to survive. The border must reopen immediately to prevent further suffering.”
According to economic analysts, the prolonged closure has inflicted millions of dollars in losses on both Afghanistan and Pakistan. Shabbir Bashiri, an expert on economic affairs, cautioned against further delays, stating: “The continued closure of Torkham has caused significant financial damage to both sides. A strategic agreement must be reached urgently to mitigate these losses.” The World Food Programme (WFP) has also expressed deep concern, reporting that thousands of trucks carrying essential supplies, including food aid shipments, remain stranded, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
