Talks on reopening Torkham crossing fizzle out

PESHAWAR (Pajhwok): The Torkham crossing remains shut as no decision could be reached in the latest round of negotiations between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Top security officials from the two counties met on Sunday, but failed to arrive at an agreement on reopening the Torkham crossing, a media report said on Monday.

However, both sides voiced cautious optimism that the issue would be resolved anytime this week, Dawn reported, citing official sources.

During their meeting at the Zero Point, border security officials pledged to respect protocols about any change in the existing structure of the Durand Line, which Afghanistan does not recognise as an international border.

Staffers of Pakistan’s customs and immigration departments, who returned to duty on Sunday, had to go back as the talks remained deadlocked, the report said.

Hundreds of Afghans streamed to Torkham in the hope that they would be allowed to return home. But despite waiting for hours, they had to go back to different Pakistani areas and the gate shut for the ninth day in a row.

The Nangarhar Chamber of Commerce and Investment estimates the ongoing closure causes a daily loss of about $500,000 for Afghan traders.

Also on Sunday, a youth organisation hosted an Iftar dinner for stranded Afghan nationals at Torkham and Landikotal.

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