Torkham (The COW News Digital)After nine days of closure, the Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan is expected to reopen within the next 24 to 48 hours, following what officials describe as a “principled agreement” between the two countries. The border was shut down earlier this month after cross-border firing by Afghan forces, halting all trade and movement between the two neighbors.
According to official sources, both Pakistani and Afghan authorities have agreed in principle to resume operations at the vital trade gateway, provided no new disputes arise. “If the current understanding holds, the border will reopen within two days,” a senior border official said.
Earlier today, Pakistan’s National Logistics Cell (NLC) installed cargo scanners at the Torkham terminal to expedite the clearance process once trade resumes. Customs staff and personnel from other relevant departments have been called in on an emergency basis to ensure smooth operations.
Preparations on the Pakistani side have been completed, while Afghan customs officials have also been deployed on their side of the border. The reopening of the crossing is expected to restore one of the region’s busiest trade arteries, which facilitates hundreds of trucks daily.
The Torkham border was closed on the night between October 11 and 12 following unprovoked firing by Afghan border forces. The closure resulted in significant financial losses to both sides and stranded hundreds of trucks carrying perishable goods.
According to Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) records, bilateral trade through the Torkham crossing amounts to approximately PKR 850 million ($3 million) per day. Pakistan collects an estimated PKR 50 million daily in customs duties from this route alone.
During the nine-day closure, trade losses are estimated at PKR 7.65 billion, while the national exchequer missed out on around PKR 450 million in customs revenue.
Pakistan primarily exports cement, pharmaceuticals, rice, fruits, and vegetables to Afghanistan, while importing coal, fresh, and dry fruits from across the border. The prolonged shutdown caused disruptions in the supply chain, affecting both Afghan importers and Pakistani exporters.
Officials say the reopening of Torkham is one of the first visible outcomes of the recent ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and Afghanistan, signaling a step toward easing bilateral tensions and restoring normal trade ties.
