Talks ongoing on reopening of Torkham crossing

PESHAWAR (Pajhwok): The caretaker Afghan government has shut the Torkham crossing, accusing Pakistan of breaching commitments.

A major trade route between the two countries, the busy crossing was closed on Sunday evening, a Torkham-based IEA official said.

Pakistan had reneged on its commitments, alleged Commissar Maulvi Mohammad Siddiq, who did not specify the obligations.

The step had been taken in compliance with instructions from senior officials, Siddiq said, asking the Afghans to avoid traveling via Torkham until further notice.

He added the two sides were in talks on reopening the crossing point for travel and transit trade.

A Pakistani official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed to Pajhwok Afghan News negotiations were underway on reopening the crossing.

The Foreign Office in Islamabad did not immediately comment on the closure of the crossing that Pakistan uses for trade with Central Asian states as well.

Meanwhile, some sources claimed the Taliban were irked by Pakistan’s failure to keep its promise of allowing entry to Afghan patients for medical treatment.

As part of a bilateral understanding, Pakistan had agreed to let 100 Afghan patients enter the country based on approval from the Nangarhar health department.

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