Pakistan’s Special Representative Visits Afghanistan Following Torkham Border Reopening

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq Khan, is on an official visit to Afghanistan from March 21 to 23 to discuss bilateral relations following the recent reopening of the Torkham border crossing. This visit, which comes after Pakistani authorities allowed pedestrian movement at the border, aims to address issues surrounding cross-border trade and security, following a period of heightened tension.

According to a statement from Pakistan’s Foreign Office, Sadiq Khan’s visit is in line with the directives of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar. The Torkham border was reopened for pedestrians on March 20, three days after cargo vehicles were allowed to resume passage through the vital trade route.

Sources reported that only individuals holding passports and visas are currently permitted to cross into Pakistan through the Torkham border. Special permission has also been granted to patients from Afghanistan to enter Pakistan for medical treatment. The border sees a significant amount of daily traffic, with approximately 10,000 passengers and 1,500 vehicles carrying goods crossing the border every day.

In 2024, the trade volume between the two countries was valued at $1.6 billion. The Torkham border was closed for nearly a month due to disputes between Pakistani and Afghan security forces over construction activities near the border. The situation escalated in early March when cross-border firing resulted in injuries and damage to properties on both sides.

After much-awaited negotiations between Pakistan and Afghan jirga members, the border was reopened on March 20, and a flag meeting was held to discuss the resumption of cross-border movement. Pakistani authorities also decided to open the border for pedestrians and patients after the necessary repairs to infrastructure damaged by cross-border shelling were completed.

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The reopening of Torkham is seen as a positive step in restoring normalcy between the two neighboring countries, which share deep historical and cultural ties. The resolution of issues related to border management and trade will play a crucial role in strengthening bilateral relations moving forward.