The second round of talks between Afghan and Pakistani jirga members to reopen Torkham border crossing reportedly ended on a “positive note” on Monday when Afghanistan’s delegation asked for a recess in order to get approval from higher authorities on Pakistan’s conditions.
Pakistan media reported that the meeting lasted for about two hours and was held at the Customs Offices on the Afghan side of the border.
Sources among the Pakistani delegation told Dawn that a detailed discussion was held between the two sides over the issue of construction of a controversial post, very close to the border at Zero Point on the Afghan side.
The Afghan side, they said, was told that any work by them regarding any change in the existing structure, close to the Zero Point border crossing, would be met with a stern response from Pakistan, Dawn reported.
Afghanistan however reportedly insists that the border be reopened without any conditions. However, Pakistan also wants the ‘no work on checkpost’ clause linked to a six-month ceasefire.
“We expressed our desire for a halt to hostilities between the two neighbouring countries with the Afghan side giving a firm assurance about permanently abiding by the agreed border protocols,” the sources said.
Torkham crossing was closed almost a month ago when Pakistan border officials opposed the reconstruction and renovation of a security check post on the Afghan side.
Torkham, a key border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan in the Khyber District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, remained closed for the 25th day on Tuesday amid rising concerns among traders of both countries who have suffered enormous losses due to the closure.
The crossing was closed on February 21 after escalation of tensions between the border forces on both sides. During subsequent exchanges of fire, three Afghan soldiers died while eight Pakistani paramilitary troops also sustained injuries.
Customs sources have said trade suspension is causing an estimated daily loss of $3 million in bilateral trade adding that over the first 20 days, approximately $60 million in trade was lost.
Torkham Border Crossing facilitates the daily movement of around 10,000 people to Afghanistan and is a key trade route between the two countries. Over 5,000 trucks, including those carrying perishable goods, are currently stranded, causing heavy financial losses.
