Trade has officially resumed at the Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan, nearly a month after clashes over a border post shut down the key route. The dispute, which involved gunfire exchanges, had halted one of the main trade routes connecting the two countries.
Located in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Torkham is one of the two major border crossings between Pakistan and Afghanistan. This crossing has been closed multiple times in the past, usually due to security issues, especially in areas targeted by militant groups.
Ziaul Haq Sarhadi, director of the Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry, welcomed the reopening and hoped that the movement of people would also return to normal soon. He highlighted how important it was for trade to resume for the benefit of both countries.
The border closure had significant economic consequences, with businesses losing millions of dollars. Pakistani businessman Ghulam Ali mentioned that perishable goods were especially affected, as they couldn’t make it across the border before they spoiled. He thanked local tribal elders for their efforts in reopening the crossing.
The closure also had a humanitarian impact. Afghanistan, facing a severe food crisis, heavily relies on imports from Pakistan, such as wheat, flour, and fresh produce. With the border closed, many essential supplies were left stranded, worsening the situation.
Bilateral trade between the two countries amounted to over $1.6 billion in 2024. The Torkham crossing alone facilitates about $3 million worth of trade each day and sees around 10,000 people crossing daily. Despite the reopening, relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan remain strained, mainly due to ongoing tensions over cross-border militancy and Afghanistan’s resistance to Pakistan’s border security measures.
While the resumption of trade is a positive development, both countries still face challenges in improving their overall relationship.
