The Torkham border crossing, a key route between Afghanistan and Pakistan, has been reopened after being closed for 11 days, as informed by sources from Pakistan Customs to Afghanistan International.
The border was reinstated on Tuesday, facilitating the entry of the first Afghan commercial truck into Pakistan. Local sources have shared images depicting this inaugural crossing.
Previously, Pakistani authorities had implemented a visa requirement for Afghan lorry drivers at the Torkham border. This policy led to many drivers being unable to cross due to the absence of visas and passports, effectively preventing their entry into Pakistan.
In response to Pakistan's visa policy, the Taliban introduced a prohibition on Pakistani commercial lorries entering Afghanistan. This reciprocal action halted commercial activities at this critical border crossing, resulting in significant financial losses for exporters on both sides.
Recent reports indicate ongoing discussions between the Taliban and Pakistani authorities regarding the reopening of the Torkham border, although the details of these negotiations have not been disclosed.
Pakistani news sources have reported a meeting between a delegation from the Taliban, the Afghan Chamber of Commerce, and Pakistani officials at the Pakistani embassy in Kabul. Following these discussions, Pakistan decided to lift the visa requirement for Afghan lorry drivers until 31 March, leading to the reopening of the border.
Taliban officials have recently confirmed the reopening of the Torkham border crossing.
