Afghan and Pakistani tribal elders have agreed on a temporary ceasefire at the Torkham border until 11 March. The decision was made during the first round of a tribal jirga, aimed at easing border tensions.
According to sources, both sides agreed not to construct any new military installations along the border during this period.
The jirga took place on Sunday and included 35 representatives from Taliban-controlled Afghanistan and 40 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The province shares a border with Nangarhar, Afghanistan, and Torkham remains one of the most critical crossing points between the two countries.
A reliable source stated that the jirga participants, including tribal elders and Pakistani officials, decided to form a joint assessment team on 11 March. This team will review disputed construction activities by the Taliban near the border. The next steps will be determined based on this assessment.
Local sources confirmed that once the border dispute is resolved, the Torkham crossing will reopen, restoring trade and travel between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The Torkham border has been closed for 16 days due to rising tensions. Pakistani officials accused the Taliban of building checkpoints inside Pakistan’s territory, a claim the Taliban denied. The group insisted it was only constructing a post on Afghan soil.
SOURCE: Afghanistan International
