Torkham Border Reopens as Trade Resumes

After a 26-day closure, the Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan has reopened following successful negotiations that halted Afghan construction, allowing trade operations to resume. The closure had led to diplomatic tensions and cross-border firing. The reopening is expected to restore significant economic activity, with the crossing facilitating daily trade worth approximately $3 million. However, pedestrian movement remains restricted due to damage to the immigration system, although Afghan patients in urgent need of medical care can enter Pakistan. Ongoing issues such as high transportation costs and restrictive trade regulations continue to affect broader trade relations with Afghanistan and Central Asian countries.